Iran
Iran: ‘Flame’ virus fight began with oil attack
Ali Akbar Dareini and Brian Murphy, Associated Press – May 30, 2012
Computer technicians battling to contain a complex virus last month resorted to the ultimate firewall measures — cutting off Internet links to Iran’s Oil Ministry, rigs and the hub for nearly all the country’s crude exports.
Israeli leaders skeptical of new diplomatic efforts on Iran nuclear program
Joel Greenberg, Washington Post – May 30, 2012
After an inconclusive round of talks this month between world powers and Iran about its nuclear program, Israeli leaders are expressing deep skepticism about the chances for a diplomatic breakthrough and urging tougher international demands.
Iran site buildings ‘completely razed’: U.S. think-tank
Fredrik Dahl, Reuters – May 30, 2012
A U.S. security institute has published satellite images which it said increased concerns that Iran was trying to “destroy evidence” of suspected past research relevant for developing a nuclear weapons capability, a charge Tehran dismisses.
Korean Peninsula
New N. Korea constitution proclaims nuclear status
Park Chan-Kyong, Agence France-Presse – May 30, 2012
North Korea’s new constitution proclaims its status as a nuclear-armed nation, complicating international efforts to persuade Pyongyang to abandon atomic weapons, analysts said Thursday.
Strategic Balance
China nukes no ‘direct threat,’ says US commander
Agence France-Presse – May 30, 2012
China’s nuclear weapons do not pose a “direct threat” to the United States, the man in charge of America’s arsenal said Wednesday in calling for greater dialogue with the Chinese.
Key US general soothes Russian concerns on missile defense, nuclear weapons
Carlo Munoz, The Hill (Blog) – A top U.S. general on Wednesday sought to sooth Russia’s concerns over the U.S. nuclear stockpile and a new American missile shield being set up in Eastern Europe.
Afghanistan
Civilian deaths drop in Afghanistan
Amir Shah, Associated Press – May 31, 2012
The number of Afghan civilians killed has dropped 36 percent so far this year compared with last, the U.N. said, the first time the death toll has declined over multiple months since the United Nations started keeping track.
