IRAN
Dempsey says premature to attack Iran now
Susan Cornwell and Jackie Frank, Reuters – February 19, 2012
The top U.S. military officer said on Sunday that a military strike against Iran would be premature, because it is unclear that Tehran will actually use its nuclear capabilities to build an atomic bomb.
U.N. Agency Returns to Inspect Iran Nuclear Program
Alan Cowell, New York Times – February 20, 2012
A team of United Nations inspectors arrived in Iran on Monday for its second visit in three weeks, saying its highest priority remained “the possible military dimensions” of Iran’s nuclear program, which Tehran insists that the program does not have and which the inspectors’ previous visit did nothing to resolve.
Israelis fear homefront vulnerable to Iranian attacks
Associated Press – February 20, 2012
Despite its confident saber-rattling, Israel’s concern is growing that the country is vulnerable to a devastating counterstrike if it attacks Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran Warns U.S. as Syria Intensifies Crackdown
Liam Stack, New York Times – February 20, 2012
Two Iranian warships docked in a Syrian port on Monday as a senior Iranian lawmaker denounced American calls for arming the Syrian opposition, adding to the international tensions over the nearly yearlong crackdown by the government of President Bashar al-Assad.
KOREAN PENINSULA
North Korea silent on South’s live-fire military drills
Hyung-jin Kim, Associated Press – February 21, 2012
South Korea conducted live-fire military drills near its disputed sea boundary with North Korea yesterday despite Pyongyang’s threat to respond with a “merciless’’ attack.
North Korean team leaves for talks with US
Agence France-Presse – February 20, 2012
North Korea’s delegation left for talks about its nuclear programme with the United States, in what will be the first significant contact by the two sides since the death of leader Kim Jong-Il.
DEFENSE BUDGET
Pentagon cuts could cost US more money
Jeremy Lemer, Financial Times – February 20, 2012
The Pentagon, under pressure to slash spending, plans to slow down purchases of fighter jets, submarines and other expensive projects in order to trim billions of dollars from its budget. But military officials and defence industry executives warn that these moves, while saving cash in the near-term, could end up costing more over time.
CYBER SECURITY
Alert on Hacker Power Play
Siobhan Gorman, Wall Street Journal – February 21, 2012
The director of the National Security Agency has warned that the hacking group Anonymous could have the ability within the next year or two to bring about a limited power outage through a cyberattack.
OTHER
F-35 Is In Next Stage Of Tests
W.J. Hennigan, Los Angeles Times – February 21, 2012
The F-35, the military’s next-generation fighter jet, has begun its first flight tests carrying external missiles at Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert.
