IRAN
Top general says Iran shouldn’t ‘miscalculate our resolve’
Barbara Starr, CNN — December 20, 2011
As Gen. Martin Dempsey toured around the globe over the last eight days, one issue was prominent — Iran’s nuclear intentions. Dempsey, in an exclusive interview with CNN, warned that Iran is playing a dangerous game that could ensnare the Middle East, the United States and others into conflict and a renewed nuclear arms race. From Iraq to Afghanistan, Kuwait to Saudi Arabia, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff heard about growing concerns about Iran’s ambitions.
Diplomats agree to increase pressure on Iran
Roberto Landucci and Philip Pullella, Reuters — December 21, 2011
Diplomats from the United States, the European Union and other allies agreed on Tuesday to step up pressure on Iran to force it to resume talks over its nuclear program, an Italian diplomatic source said.
NORTH KOREA
Why U.S.-China Strategic Competition Is Unlikely to Help Manage North Korea’s Transition
Tony Karon, Time — December 21, 2011
The growing geopolitical competition between the U.S. and China makes prospects for productive partnership in managing North Korea much less likely.
Who Has North Korea’s Nuclear ‘Football’? Few Have an Answer
Elaine M. Grossman, National Journal — December 20, 2011
On the heels of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il’s death, outside experts seem more uncertain than ever about who retains control over the hermit nation’s nuclear weapons or authority for their potential use.
North Korea’s nuclear program
Suzanne Kelly and Pam Benson, CNN — December 20, 2011
When it comes to assessing the future of North Korea’s nuclear position and potential threat under a new leader, even the experts describe this transfer of power as an interesting predicament.
Exclusive: North Korea’s military to share power with Kim’s heir
Benjamin Kang Lim, Reuters — December 21, 2011
North Korea will shift to collective rule from a strongman dictatorship after last week’s death of Kim Jong-il, although his untested young son will be at the head of the ruling coterie, a source with close ties to Pyongyang and Beijing said.
UNITED STATES
Standoff Over Payroll Tax Cut Leaves Wake of Uncertainty
Jennifer Steinhauer, The New York Times — December 21, 2011
After defiantly rejecting a Senate compromise to extend a payroll tax break and jobless pay, Speaker John A. Boehner stood before the television cameras on Tuesday enveloped by scores of House Republicans. Even as a group, they seemed very much alone.
Newt Gringrich, ahead in Virginia, promises tougher counterpunches
Mark Felsenthal, Christian Science Monitor — December 21, 2011
Newt Gingrich leads Mitt Romney in Virginia, says a new poll. Gingrich responds to attack ads with a promise to hit back at GOP opponents.
SYRIA
Activists say more than 100 killed in Syrian town
MSNBC — December 21, 2011
Syrian troops have killed 111 people in one of the deadliest incidents since the uprising against President Bashar Assad’s regime began in March, activists said Wednesday.
