Iran
U.N. nuclear watchdog confirms new Iran talks this week
Reuters – August 21, 2012
The United Nations nuclear watchdog said on Tuesday it would hold a new round of talks with Iran in Vienna later this week about a long-stalled investigation into suspected nuclear weapons research in the Islamic state.
North Korea
Progress Is Cited on New Reactor in North Korea
Choe Sang-Hun, New York Times – August 21, 2012
While the region’s attention has remained focused on whether the new North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, can consolidate his power, his country has been making significant progress in the construction of a new reactor widely seen as a cover for making more fuel for nuclear weapons, analysts say, citing satellite imagery of the building site.
Presidential Campaign
Top US general blasts ex-officers for attacking Obama
AFP – August 21, 2012
US military chief General Martin Dempsey denounced ex-officers Tuesday for waging a campaign against President Barack Obama, arguing that soldiers had a duty to stay above the political fray.
Defense Spending
Pentagon showing only modest progress toward clean books
Charles S. Clark, Government Executive – August 21, 2012
The Defense Department is at “considerable risk” of not meeting its internal goal of a clean budgetary statement by 2014 and fulfilling Congress’s mandate of auditable financial statements by 2017, a key auditor said on Tuesday.
Afghanistan
Favorite Emerges for Coalition Post
Julian E. Barnes, Wall Street Journal – August 21, 2012
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is backing a top Marine Corps general to become the next commander of international forces in Afghanistan, defense officials say, a preference that underscores the Obama administration’s determination to ultimately withdraw U.S. troops.
Missile Defense
Russia Warns West on Antimissile Effort
Global Security Newswire – August 21, 2012
Russia on Monday highlighted the potential ramifications of the U.S.-NATO project to establish a widespread antimissile system in Europe, RIA Novosti reported.
