IRAN
Israel Says Iran Is Behind Bombs
Ethan Bronner, New York Times – February 13, 2012
Tensions between Israel and Iran rose sharply on Monday when bombers struck at Israeli Embassy personnel in the capitals of India and Georgia. Israel accused the Tehran government of being behind the attacks, which Iran denied.
Israeli attack on Iran would be complex operation
Jim Michaels, USA Today – February 13, 2012
If Israel attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities, the strike would probably take the form of a complex air assault involving scores of planes that would have to penetrate Iranian air defenses and attack up to a couple of dozen targets simultaneously, analysts say.
Backers of Iran Sanctions Make an Appeal to China
Rick Gladstone, New York Times – February 13, 2012
American advocacy groups that want to isolate Iran over its suspect nuclear program singled out China on Monday, using the visit to the United States by China’s next leader to criticize the vast Chinese purchases of Iranian petroleum, and to urge him and President Obama to forge a common position opposing Iran’s uranium enrichment.
KOREAN PENINSULA
U.S. to Meet North Koreans for New Talks
Steven Lee Myers, New York Times – February 13, 2012
The Obama administration announced on Monday that it would hold its first talks with North Korea over its nuclear weapons program since the death of the country’s leader, Kim Jong-il, in December.
DEFENSE SPENDING
White House Proposes Cap on Wartime Spending
Nathan Hodge and Julian E. Barnes, Wall Street Journal – February 13, 2012
The Obama administration is proposing a cap on war outlays through fiscal 2021, the first time spending for military combat in Afghanistan and Iraq would be limited since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
China defense budget to double over 5 years: IHS
Times of India – February 14, 2012
China’s defence budget will double between 2011 and 2015 and outstrip the combined spending of all other key defence markets in the Asia-Pacific region, global research group IHS said today.
