IRAN
UK to expel all Iranian diplomats over embassy attack
BBC News — November 30, 2011
The UK is to expel all Iranian diplomats following the storming of its embassy in Tehran, Foreign Secretary William Hague has announced.
European Refiners Wary of Potential Iran Oil Ban
Benoit Faucon, Konstantin Rozhnov and Summer Said, Wall Street Journal — November 30, 2011
European refiners will struggle to find enough crude oil to replace lost Iranian barrels should a meeting Thursday lead to a European Union ban on oil imports from Iran, a move that will likely also result in higher costs and hit the sector’s already shaky competitiveness in the global market.
Iran nuke threat close to crisis point
Joschka Fischer, The Australian — November 30, 2011
WHILE Europe remains preoccupied with its own slow-motion crisis and other global powers continue to be mesmerised by the bizarre spectacle of European officials’ efforts to rescue the euro (and thus the global financial system), clouds of war are massing over Iran once more.
NORTH KOREA
North Korea Reports Progress on New Reactor
Choe Sang-Hun, The New York Times — November 30, 2011
North Korea reported brisk progress in building a new nuclear reactor and producing enriched uranium on Wednesday. Although the statement appeared to invite international inspectors to verify that the facilities are for peaceful purposes, it was the latest sign that North Korea is pressing ahead with its nuclear program.
Blix: NK Not a Topic at Seoul Nuclear Summit
Evan Ramstad, Wall Street Journal — November 29, 2011
Hans Blix, the Swedish lawyer and nuclear specialist who led the International Atomic Energy Agency in the 1990s and the U.N. nuclear verification commission a decade ago, was in Seoul Tuesday to meet President Lee Myung-bak and help define the agenda for the 47-nation Nuclear Security Summit to be hosted in Seoul in March.
BURMA
Burma pursued nuclear weapons with North Korea, U.S. senator says
William Wan, Washington Post — November 24, 2011
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee received information roughly five years ago that the Burmese government intended to develop nuclear weapons with the help of North Korea, according to Sen. Richard G. Lugar (R-Ind.).
Clinton Makes Landmark Visit to Burma
Voice of America — November 30, 2011
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has begun a landmark trip to Burma, becoming the first chief U.S. diplomat to visit the country in 50 years.
SYRIA
World powers lean on Syria amid unrest
Joe Sterling, CNN — November 30, 2011
World pressure on the Syrian regime escalated Wednesday as Turkey announced tough economic sanctions and a leading U.N. body announced a Friday meeting on the human rights situation.
Syria frees over 900 prisoners detained during unrest
Dominic Evans, Reuters — November 30, 2011
Syria released 912 prisoners detained for involvement in protests against President Bashar al-Assad Wednesday, the state news agency said.
