IRAN
Sanctions, flaws hobble Iran nuclear program: study
AFP – October 18, 2011
Iran’s nuclear program has been hampered by machine design flaws, equipment breakdowns and problems getting parts because of international sanctions, a US think-tank report said.
Iran could make atom bomb material despite hurdles: report
Fredrik Dahl, Reuters – October 18, 2011
Iran’s nuclear program is struggling with low-performing enrichment machines but it would still be able to produce material that could be used for atomic bombs, according to a U.S. think tank.
UK orders asset freeze over assassination plot
David Stringer, Bloomsberg Businessweek – October 19, 2011
Britain’s Treasury said Tuesday it had ordered the assets of five men frozen in connection with the alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States.
NORTH & SOUTH KOREA
China’s vice premier to visit North, South Korea
AP – October 19, 2011
A Chinese vice premier will visit North and South Korea in rare rapid succession as Beijing notes positive momentum is growing to restart stalled talks on North Korea’s nuclear disarmament.
6-nation nuclear talks ‘golden key’ to peace: Tang Jiaxuan
The Korea Times – October 19, 2011
The six-nation talks on North Korea’s nuclear weapons programs is the “golden key” to opening the door for regional powers to achieve peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia, former Chinese state councilor Tang Jiaxuan said Wednesday.
North-South Korea talks in US serious, but civil
Harry R. Weber, AP – October 19, 2011
North and South Korean representatives holding informal talks meant to help resolve a nuclear standoff are sitting together at meals in the U.S., sharing laughs and even breaking out together in song.
UK
Trident doubts over Hammond
David Maddox, Scotsman – October 18, 2011
CONCERNS have been raised that the promotion of Phillip Hammond to the position of Defence Secretary could lead to a rethink on replacing Trident.
UNITED STATES
Bachmann says defense spending on the table, Paul says to start by withdrawing from S. Korea
AP (Washington Post) – October 18, 2011
Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann says cuts to defense spending have to be considered as Washington weighs massive budget cuts, and Rep. Ron Paul of Texas says slashing the Pentagon budget needs to start with bringing home U.S. forces from South Korea and Japan.
Key general opposes eliminating one arm of nuclear triad in next round of cuts
John T. Bennett, The Hill – October 18, 2011
The general who oversees America’s nuclear arsenal made clear Tuesday he will resist efforts to eliminate one arm of the military’s nuclear triad of bomber aircraft, long-range missiles and submarines.
First came Stuxnet computer virus: now there’s Duqu
Tabassum Zakaria, Reuters – October 19, 2011
First there was the Stuxnet computer virus that wreaked havoc on Iran’s nuclear program. Now comes “Duqu,” which researchers on Tuesday said appears to be quite similar.
