IRAN
AP Exclusive: Note shows big power split over Iran
George Jahn, AP – October 24, 2011
Russia and China are urging the chief U.N nuclear inspector to scrap or delay U.S.-backed plans to reveal intelligence on Iran’s alleged nuclear arms experiments, in a bluntly worded confidential document obtained Monday by The Associated Press.
Ahmadinejad on Gadhafi, Syria, alleged plot, nuclear weapons and America’s role
Global Public Square (CNN) – October 22, 2011
Fareed Zakaria just interviewed Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. They talked about Moammar Gadhafi’s death, policy toward Syria, the alleged Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador to the U.S., Iran’s nuclear ambitions and America’s global role.
Iran Could Face New Atomic Penalties: EU
Global Security Newswire – October 24, 2011
Iran could face new punitive measures if it does not join new multilateral discussions over atomic activities some countries suspect are geared toward weapons development, the European Union said on Sunday
NORTH KOREA
What Kim Jong-Il Learned from Qaddafi’s Fall: Never Disarm
Mira Rapp-Hooper & Kenneth N. Waltz, The Atlantic – October 24, 2011
As the U.S. tries to restart multiparty talks with North Korea, it may find that the rogue state suddenly sees greater value in keeping its nuclear arsenal.
Panetta Criticizes North Korea for ‘Reckless’ Acts
Robert Burns, AP (ABC News) – October 24, 2011
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on Monday lashed out at North Korea for “reckless and provocative” acts and criticized China for a secretive expansion of its military power.
Chinese vice premier meets North Korean leader
AFP – October 24, 2011
China’s vice premier Li Keqiang met North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il on Monday, state media said amid hopes of progress in restarting six-nation talks on the North’s nuclear disarmament.
U.S. and North Korea hold “useful” talks in Geneva
Stephanie Nebehay, Reuters – October 24, 2011
U.S. and North Korean negotiators made “useful presentations” on Monday, a U.S. special envoy said at the start of a two-day meeting, the second such encounter since six-party talks on nuclear disarmament collapsed more than two years ago.
PAKISTAN
India and Pakistan Sidestep a Crisis
Salman Masood, NYT – October 23, 2011
A potential military and diplomatic crisis was averted Sunday after an Indian Army helicopter that had strayed into Pakistan’s airspace and was forced to land by its military was allowed to return home, according to Pakistani officials.
UNITED STATES
U.S. Won’t Cut Forces in Asia
Adam Entous, WSJ – October 24, 2011
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Monday that American forces in Asia won’t be cut in a coming round of belt-tightening, signaling the administration’s resolve to check China’s rapid military buildup despite budget woes at home.
Smart defense cuts possible
Marcy Kaptur, Politico – October 23, 2011
The budget for nuclear weapons should be strictly scrutinized for excess capacity. One proposal from the Air War College estimated potential savings of $43 billion through fiscal year 2015.
