North Korea
China assisting North Korean missile program: Panetta
Missy Ryan, Reuters – April 20, 2012
China has provided some assistance to North Korea’s missile program, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said on Thursday, a week after the hermit state’s failed rocket launch triggered international condemnation.
Panetta Cites Growing Concern About North Korean Missile
Viola Gienger, Bloomberg Businessweek – April 19, 2012
The U.S. has “growing concern” that North Korea may have gained mobile missile technology that was displayed during a parade this month, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said.
Iran
Iran: Dispute Over Islands Grows
Rick Gladstone, New York Times – April 19, 2012
Iran’s military escalated tensions with the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, warning the country’s leaders to cease their claims of sovereignty over Abu Musa and two other contested islands at the strategically important mouth of the Persian Gulf.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan leader seeks swifter troop pullout amid photos furor
Laura King, Los Angeles Times – April 19, 2012
Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai decries the behavior of U.S. troops photographed with insurgents’ remains. Western troops’ departure will prevent a recurrence, he says.
