IRAN
Half of US voters say bomb Iran if sanctions fail
AFP – November 23, 2011
Fifty percent of Americans believe military action should be taken to stop Iran’s nuclear program if sanctions do not work, a national poll released on Wednesday said.
Obama Aide Says Iran’s Leaders Are Feeling the Strain of Sanctions
Mark Landler, NYT – November 22, 2011
A day after the United States imposed fresh sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program, President Obama’s national security adviser argued Tuesday that the administration’s pressure campaign had left Iran’s leaders economically strained, diplomatically isolated and rent by internal divisions.
Defiant Iran eyes retaliation for sanctions
Marc Burleigh, AFP – November 23, 2011
A defiant Iran said on Wednesday that it will not back down despite newly announced Western sanctions over its atomic drive, as it took the first steps to hit back at the measures. “The Iranian nation will not back down an iota, and will not allow the slightest move to encroach on the nation’s rights” in terms of its nuclear programme, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in a speech aired on state television.
AFGHANISTAN
World Bank says Afghanistan will need billions of dollars in aid for years to come
AP (Washington Post) – November 23, 2011
Afghanistan could face economic collapse if international assistance is abruptly cut as foreign combat forces are withdrawn, the World Bank warned, stressing that the war-ravaged nation will need billions of dollars in aid for a decade or more.
RUSSIA
Russia Prepares to ‘Destroy’ U.S. Shield, Medvedev Says
Ilya Arkhipov & Henry Meyer, Bloomberg – November 23, 2011
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev ordered the military to prepare to “destroy” the command capability of the planned U.S. missile-defense system in Europe.
Putin says Russia faces ‘uncertainties and risks’
AFP – November 23, 2011
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin warned Wednesday in advance of parliamentary elections that Russia faced numerous risks in the future that demanded that the government tighten its grip on power.
UNITED STATES
The GOP debate: 6 takeaways
Maggie Haberman, Politico – November 23, 2011
The GOP debate on national security Tuesday night raised far more questions — and exposed far more divisions — than it resolved. While the topic isn’t central to the 2012 nomination battle, it was nevertheless critical for candidates to meet a modest threshold to remain viable — at least a minimal level of fluency in international affairs.
GOP debate controversy: Gingrich breaks with others in advocating leniency for illegal immigrants
Julia Hirschfeld Davis & Roxana Tiron, Washington Post – November 23, 2011
The Republican presidential candidates clashed over how to treat millions of illegal immigrants in the U.S., after Newt Gingrich called for a “humane” policy that would allow those in the country for 25 years and with established family and community ties to remain.
Iran Dominates in GOP Debate
Yochi J. Dreazen, The Atlantic – November 22, 2011
In a world full of challenges, the Islamic regime’s nuclear program drew the concern of Republican candidates on Tuesday night
