IRAN
Iran nuclear talks constructive, Western diplomat says
Adrian Croft, Reuters – Feb 28, 2013
Nuclear talks between Iran and world powers this week were more constructive and positive than in the past, but Iran’s willingness to negotiate seriously will not become clear until an April meeting, a senior Western diplomat said on Thursday. The diplomat was more upbeat about the talks in Kazakhstan than other Western officials have been, suggesting there could be a chance of diplomatic progress in the long standoff over Iran’s nuclear activities.
NORTH KOREA
More within China criticizing support of North Korea
Park Min-hee, The Hankyoreh – March 1, 2013
Amid the historically unprecedented outbreak of anti-North Korea protests by Chinese citizens following the North Korean third nuclear test, both state-run media and policy experts are releasing an uncensored flood of criticism against Beijing’s North Korean policy.
China moves ahead with N. Korea trade zone despite nuclear test
Charlie Zhu, Reuters – Feb 28, 2013
China appears to be pressing ahead with plans to invest in a North Korean free trade zone in a sign that its recent nuclear test has not soured its economic ties with its only major ally.
MISSILE DEFENSE
Israel tests new generation Arrow missile defence system
AFP, France 24 – Feb 28, 2013
Israel and the United States on Monday staged the first test flight of the latest generation of their Arrow missile defence system, the Arrow 3, the defence ministry said. “This is the first flight test of the Arrow 3 interceptor and was conducted at an Israeli test range over the Mediterranean Sea,” it said in a statement.
Trident spending to account for one third of defence budget within a decade
Christopher Hope, The Telegraph – Feb 27, 2013
The Royal United Services Institute forecast “submarine and deterrent spending” is set to account for around 35 per cent of the total core procurement budget by 2021/22.
OPINION
Nuclear disarmament: Allay Russia’s fears
Dmitri Trenin, GulfNews – March 1, 2013
To fulfil his goal of making the world a safer place, Obama needs to understand Moscow’s concept of security in light of China’s rising power
