Iran
Israel plunged into unprecedented debate about war
Amy Teibel, AP – August 13, 2012
To attack or not to attack? With Israeli politicians warning repeatedly that Iran is secretly pursuing nuclear weapons, this question has spawned an unprecedented amount of agonizing even in a country accustomed to war and incessant debate.
Russia slams new US sanctions on Iran
Daily Herald – August 13, 2012
Russia’s Foreign Ministry has harshly criticized new U.S. sanctions on Iran, calling them “undisguised blackmail” and warning that relations between Washington and Moscow will suffer if Russian companies are affected.
North Korea
Japan, North Korea to hold first official talks in 4 years in latest sign of thaw
AP – August 14, 2012
Japan will hold government-level talks with North Korea for the first time in four years, Japanese officials said Tuesday, in the latest sign of a thaw in relations between the two sides.
Afghanistan
End Sought to Attacks on Allies by Afghans
Alissa J. Rubin, New York Times – August 13, 2012
The phenomenon of “green on blue” violence by Afghan security force members on their international counterparts continued on Monday with two more attacks, officials said.
Middle East
‘Leading from behind’ in the Middle East? Force buildup tells a different story
Walter Pincus, Washington Post – August 13, 2012
A steady buildup in the number of U.S. ships and aircraft available for possible new military action in the Middle East has been underway for months, and the Pentagon has done little to hide it from the leaders of Iran and Syria.
