SYRIA
Cyprus to Help Syria’s Weapons Inspectors
Associated Press – October 18, 2013
Cyprus has announced that it will allow chemical weapons inspectors from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons access to Nicosia airport for the purpose of launching inspections missions in Syria. This plan will allow inspectors to fly directly from the airport into Syria. The Cyprus government has said that its goal is to assist weapons inspectors in their difficult mission ahead.
Good news from Syria (really): Chemical weapons being dismantled on schedule
Max Fisher, Washington Post – October 18, 2013
The dismantling of chemical weapons is currently on schedule in Syria, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has reported. Inspectors have currently looked at fourteen sites and are proceeding as planned despite the dangers posed by the ongoing civil war.
Norway mulls disposal of 600 tons of Syrian chemical weapons
United Press International – October 21, 2013
The United Nations has asked Norway to dispose of roughly 550 tons of nerve gas and 55 tons of mustard gas from Syria. The Norwegian government has yet to confirm whether it will participate in the destruction of the stockpile and has expressed concerns that Norway does not have the technical expertise necessary to handle the request.
IRAN
Iran sees nuclear talks with powers finishing within year: official
Yeganeh Torbati, Reuters – October 21, 2013
A member of Iran’s negotiation team was quoted by Iranian media outlets saying that a deal could be reached between the two countries in as little as a year. He stated that if the seriousness of upcoming talks mimics the seriousness of those held last week, it is possible that substantial progress can be made. He hopes that within three to six months, the first steps of a deal can formulated.
Signs of Rift Between Israel and US Over Iran
Josef Federman, Associated Press – October 20, 2013
Following talks between Iran and the US last week, a rift appears to be forming between the US and Israel. Throughout the past few weeks of discussions between Iranian and US officials, Israel has maintained that Iran is trying to trick the international community. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that the US step up pressure on Iran despite hints that the US will actually try to ease economic sanctions.
ISRAEL
Nuclear weapons are Israel’s ‘worst kept secret,’ says Israeli historian
Tom Kutsch, Al Jazeera America – October 18, 2013
Israeli nuclear historian Avner Cohen was recently interviewed by Al Jazeera and discussed his impressions of Israel’s secretive nuclear weapons program. He discussed his understanding of Israel’s lack of transparency pertaining to its nuclear weapons program as well as the prospects of Israel perhaps one day joining non-proliferation agreements.
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
Commentary: Nuclear arms wake-up call
Ramesh Thakur, Japan Times – October 21, 2013
Thakur highlights the details of the recently issued Ho Chi Minh City Declaration by the Asia-Pacific Leadership Network on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament. The article primarily focuses upon the expanding nuclear arsenals of China, India and Pakistan and has a focus on nuclear policymaking in Asia.
