IRAN
Israeli strike on Iran nuclear program? Global leaders try to quiet speculation, threats.
Ariel Zirulnick, Christian Science Monitor — November 8, 2011
Ahead of an IAEA report on Iran’s nuclear program, China, Russia, Germany, and France have all urged calm.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard threatens to retaliate if US assassinates commanders
The Washington Post — November 8, 2011
An Iranian semi-official news agency says that a top commander in the country’s Revolutionary Guard force has threatened to kill “dozens” of American military commanders, should the U.S. kill any one of theirs.
NORTH KOREA
Seoul Awaits Pyongyang’s Response on Nuclear Talks
Voice of America — November 8, 2011
A South Korean official says two rounds of talks with North Korea have left Pyongyang with a better understanding of what it must do to effect a resumption of six-party nuclear negotiations.
South Korea approves shipment of medicine to North Korea, in signs of easing tensions
The Washington Post — November 8, 2011
South Korea has lifted its block on donating medicine to North Korea via the World Health Organization, amid signs of easing tensions between the countries.
UNITED STATES
Pentagon is asked to outline impact of budget cuts
David Alexander, Reuters — November 4, 2011
Two senior Republican senators pressed the Pentagon Friday to release a detailed assessment of the impact more budget cuts would have on national security, saying Congress needs to hear specifics.
Panetta Urges Leadership in Budget Decisions
Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service — November 8, 2011
In his strongest language to date, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta today called on Congress to “show some leadership” in the budget process. Panetta, speaking at the National Guard’s Joint Senior Leaders Conference here, said that the sequester mechanism built into the Budget Control Act is “like shooting yourself in the head.”
PAKISTAN
U.S. put new restrictions on CIA drone strikes in Pakistan
Ken Dilanian, Los Angeles Times — November 7, 2011
The White House over the summer put new restrictions on CIA drone strikes in the wake of concerns that the program was primarily targeting lower-level militants while provoking anger in Pakistan, U.S. officials said.
Pakistan’s “Arab Spring” moment goes unnoticed
CBS — November 8, 2011
It could have been an Arab Spring moment. Taking an apparent cue from the young Tunisian who, tired of the poverty in which he lived, set himself on fire and launched a protest movement around the world, Raja Khan, 23, went to Pakistan’s parliament late last month and did the same.
