Iran
Negotiations with Iran About Nukes Deemed Constructive
AP – April 15, 2012
Iranian and European officials expressed confidence in the results of Saturday’s negotiations on Tehran’s disputed nuclear program as it was announced that the two sides will meet again in Baghdad on May 23.
Iran, Western Powers Hail Latest Nuclear Talks
George Jahn, Associated Press – April 15, 2012
In a rare show of unity, Iran and the world’s big powers on Saturday hailed their first nuclear meeting in more than a year as a key step toward further negotiations meant to ease international fears that Tehran may weaponize its nuclear program.
The Shape of a Deal With Iran
Fareed Zakaria, CNN – April 15, 2012
I’ve been following the tense back and forth with Iran very closely. I continue to believe it is the single most dangerous crisis that we confront today. And I’m struck by the pessimism surrounding it.
Oil Falls Toward $102 After Iran Nuclear Talks
The Associated Press – April 16, 2012
Oil fell to near $102 a barrel Monday after negotiators said meetings over Iran’s nuclear program last weekend began on a positive note, easing tensions that had sent crude higher.
Diplomacy Will Dampen Iran War Talk – For Now
Fredrik Dahl and Justyna Pawlak, Reuters – April 15, 2012
Renewed diplomacy on Iran’s nuclear program will muffle what Barack Obama last month called the “drums of war”, but the beat will soon get louder if warm words do not lead swiftly to action that can defuse the decade-old dispute.
Korean Peninsula
N. Korea Will Push For New Rocket Launch: Report
Associated Foreign Press – April 16, 2012
North Korea will push for the launch of a new and bigger rocket as part of a five-year space programme despite last week’s failed launch, a pro-North Korean newspaper in Japan said Monday.
New North Korean Leader Makes First Public Speech
Jean H. Lee, Associated Press – April 15, 2012
North Korea’s new leader addressed his nation and the world for the first time Sunday, vowing to place top priority on his impoverished country’s military, which promptly unveiled a new long-range missile.
Frightening Fizzle
The New York Times – April 13, 2012
North Korea’s new leader, Kim Jong-un, blew his chance to set his country on a saner, more productive path when his military tested a ballistic missile on Friday — the rocket disintegrated soon after takeoff.
North Korea Rocket Failure May Ease World’s Nuclear Fear
Carol J. Williams, L.A. Times – April 13, 2012
Fear that North Korea might be positioning itself to market weapons technology to other developing nations may have been eased by its latest failure — the fourth in 15 years — to build a functioning rocket.
U.S
To Save Taxes and Enhance National Security, Cut U.S. Nuclear Arsenal
Dr. Peter Wilk, Portland Press Herald – April 14, 2012
Tax season is upon us. We’re all acutely aware of gaps between revenue and expenses. The imperative to cut federal spending is clear.
Lockheed Wins $259 Million Deal For 2 More U.S. F-35s
Reuters – April 13, 2012
Lockheed Martin Corp on Friday won a $259 million contract adding two more F-35 fighter jets to a fifth batch of jets being purchased by the U.S. military, boosting the size of that order to 32 jets, the Pentagon and Lockheed officials said.
