North Korea
N. Korea to ‘completely review’ nuclear issue
AFP – July 20, 2012
North Korea said Friday it had no choice but to “completely review” the nuclear issue after accusing the United States and South Korea over a plot to blow up a statue of its founding leader.
Syria
U.S. Mounts Quiet Effort to Weaken Assad’s Rule
Adam Entous, Julian E. Barnes, Nour Malas, Wall Street Journal – July 22, 2012
The U.S. has been mounting a secret but limited effort to speed the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad without using force, scrambling spies and diplomats to block arms and oil shipments from Iran and passing intelligence to front-line allies.
Iraq
Al-Qaida says it’s returning to Iraq areas
AP – July 23, 2012
The first online statement from the new leader of al-Qaida’s affiliate in Iraq claims that the militant network is returning to strongholds from which it was driven by U.S. forces and their Sunni allies before the American withdrawal at the end of last year.
Nuclear Weapons
Obama Seen Prioritizing Campaign Over Nuclear Arsenal Cuts Decision
Global Security Newswire – July 20, 2012
President Obama is prioritizing the needs of his re-election campaign over making decisions on potential new cuts to the U.S. nuclear arsenal, which do not appear likely to be announced until after November voting, the New York Times reported on Thursday.
Missile Defense
U.S. Missile Shield May Make China Build Better Missiles
Robert Beckhusen, Wired – July 20, 2012
China has bet the security of its billion citizens largely around one weapon system: missiles. Which is why planned U.S. advancements to Washington’s mobile missile shield is freaking Beijing out. Its military chiefs figure they need to upgrade their own cache of various missiles or risk losing the ability to deter the U.S. Navy and Air Force.
CTBT
Time to sign test ban treaty
Jennifer Selig and Ryan D. Wilcox – July 21, 2012
In July, we celebrate our nation’s independence and the hardy pioneers who settled the Salt Lake Valley. While celebrating, we should also be looking to secure the future of both our nation and our state.
