NORTH KOREA
North Korea Vows Nuclear Test and Threatens U.S.
Cho Sang-hun, The New York Times – Jan 24, 2013
North Korea vowed on Thursday to launch more long-range rockets and conduct its third nuclear test, saying that it would build up its capability of striking the United States after the United Nations’s expansion of sanctions against North Korea.
China Urges Resumption of Six-Party Talks
Shannon Van Sant, Voice of America – Jan 24, 2013
China urges calm following North Korea’s threats of another rocket launch in response to this week’s Security Council resolution. Beijing says it is urging resumption of the six-party talks in the wake of Pyongyang’s threats.
What made China vote for UN sanctions on North Korea?
Park Min-hee, The Hankyoreh – Jan 24, 2013
IRAN
Egypt yet to decide on hosting Iran talks
AFP, Gulfnews.com – Jan 24, 2013
Egypt has yet to decide whether it will host talks between Iran and world powers on Tehran’s controversial nuclear programme, the official Mena news agency reported yesterday, quoting a diplomat. “Cairo has always welcomed in principle anything that can help to sustain stability in the Middle East,” but “nothing definite has been decided yet” about hosting the talks, the unidentified diplomat said.
Iran’s Agenda: Why Tehran Plays Hard to Get on Nuclear Diplomacy
Tony Karon, TIME – Jan 24, 2013
Speculation and analysis regarding the political and diplomatic context of Iran’s nuclear negotiation policy. Karon forecasts upcoming challenges facing the U.S. and its allies regarding Iran.
Uncertainty, pessimism over next Iran nuclear talks
AFP, France24 – Jan 24, 2013
Without a definitive date and location set for the next Iranian nuclear talks, concerns are arising from the US and EU.
Russia Warns Israel, U.S. Against Strike on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
Nick Chiles, Atlanta Black Star – Jan 23, 2013
Russia today made clear that it stands solidly in defense of Iran if Israel or the West decided to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities. However, the Russian foreign minister also urged Tehran to cooperate with inspections of its nuclear sites.
MISSILE DEFENSE
NATO to activate Turkey missile defenses
USA Today – Jan 23, 2013
NATO says its Patriot anti-missile defenses along Syria’s border with Turkey will become operational this week.
