Iran
Israel Ex-Spy Chief Urges Caution on Iran Strike
Daniel Estrin, Associated Press – March 9, 2012
The recently retired head of the Mossad intelligence agency has said Israel must consider alternatives to a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, but another expert said Friday an Israeli attack could come within months.
Iran Is Pressed on Access for Nuclear Inspectors
Rick Gladstone and William J. Broad
The six world powers that have agreed to resume negotiations with Iran over its disputed nuclear program issued a blunt request on Thursday that the Iranians allow international inspectors unfettered access, most notably to Parchin, a large restricted military complex that the inspectors suspect may house a testing chamber for explosives used in atomic weapons triggers.
Pace of Iran’s Nuclear Program Is “Overestimated”
NPR – March 9, 2012
Iranians have agreed to meet with Western officials to discuss their nuclear program, amid increasing Western concern about its purpose. Steve Inskeep talks to Paul Pillar about his article in The Washington Monthly entitled “We Can Live with a Nuclear Iran.” Pillar teaches in the security studies program at Georgetown University.
Susan Rice on Iran Talks: “Window is Finite”
Tim Mak, Politico – March 8, 2012
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice had some tough words for Iran Thursday, saying regarding negotiations that Iran’s “window is finite.”
Israel Asks U.S. for Arms That Could Aid Iran Strike
Reuters – March 8, 2012
Israel has asked the United States for advanced “bunker-buster” bombs and refuelling planes that could improve its ability to attack Iran’s underground nuclear sites, an Israeli official said on Thursday.
Korean Peninsula
Nuclear Envoy of the Rival Koreas Have Chance for Informal Talks at Security Meet in New York
Associated Press – March 8, 2012
Nuclear envoys of the rival Koreas both addressed a closed-door conference on security in Northeast Asia on Thursday but there was no word on whether they spoke to each other.
S.Korea, U.S. to Wrap Up Joint Exercise
Yonhap News Agency – March 9, 2012
South Korea and the U.S. are set to wrap up their annual joint military exercise, called the Key Resolve, later Friday, officials said.
MIA U.S. Troop Search to Resume in North Korea
Matthew Pennington, Associated Press – March 8, 2012
Wounded in both legs and wearing an Army field coat peppered with bullet holes, 1st Lt. Robert Schmitt led a desperate U.S. hilltop assault against advancing Chinese forces in one of the bloodiest battles of the Korean War. He never returned.
U.S
Defense Says it May Close Some Facilities if Congress Doesn’t Approve Proposal For More Base Closings
Steve Vogel, Washington Post – March 8, 2012
Defense Department officials warned a House panel Thursday that if Congress does not approve the Obama administration’s proposal for two new rounds of base closings, the Pentagon will use existing authority to close some facilities.
