Iran
Ahead of nuclear talks, Iran floats compromise
Nasser Karimi, Associated Press – April 9, 2012
Iran’s nuclear chief signaled Tehran’s envoys may bring a compromise offer to the talks this week with world powers: Promising to eventually stop producing its most highly enriched uranium, while not totally abandoning its ability to make nuclear fuel.
After row, Iran confirms Istanbul for nuclear talks
The Economic Times – April 9, 2012
Iran today confirmed that nuclear talks this week with world powers would take place in Istanbul, dropping public reservations over that city as venue following a sharp-worded row with Turkey.
Willing Banks Find Profits in Legal Trade With Iran
Benoit Faucon and Margaret Cooker, Wall Street Journal – April 8, 2012
As Western sanctions on Iran have grown tighter, some small banks have found a lucrative niche financing what remains of the legal trade with the Islamic Republic.
Korean Peninsula
Rocket in Position at Launch Pad in N.Korea
Jean H. Lee, TIME World – April 8, 2012
North Korean space officials have moved all three stages of a long-range rocket into position for a controversial launch, vowing Sunday to push ahead with their plan in defiance of international warnings against violating a ban on missile activity.
South Korea Suspects That North May Test Nuclear Device as Well as Rocket
Choe Sang-Hun, New York Times – April 9, 2012
North Korea appears to be preparing for its third underground nuclear test even as it presses ahead with assembling a long-range rocket for its planned launching of a satellite this month, a South Korean government spokesman said Sunday.
Afghanistan
U.S., Afghanistan sign key ‘night raids’ deal
Nick Paton Walsh, CNN – April 8, 2012
The United States and Afghanistan signed a landmark deal Sunday that affords Afghan authorities an effective veto over controversial special operations raids.
South Asia
Indian and Pakistani Leaders Encourage Ties in a Rare Visit
Jim Yardley, New York Times – April 8, 2012
In the first visit to India by a Pakistani head of state in seven years, President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India on Sunday expressed a mutual desire to improve relations between their rival South Asian nations, and Mr. Singh announced that he would at some point visit Pakistan for the first time since taking office.
