IRAN
Analysis – Iran-U.S. tension rising ahead of elections
Fredrik Dahl, Reuters – October 17, 2011
A U.S. push to isolate Iran looks unlikely to make Tehran back down over its nuclear programme and other disputes, setting the scene for sharpening rhetoric and rising tension at a time when the two foes are preparing for elections.
Significant Holes in U.S. Legal Case Against Alleged Iran Plotter
Marcy Wheeler, Reuters – October 17, 2011
In the wake of the Obama Administration’s announcement that an Iranian-American used car salesman had set up a plot to kill the Saudi Ambassador to the U.S., a number of Iran and intelligence experts have raised questions about the plausibility of the alleged Iranian plot.
Iran says happy to examine US plot allegations
Reuters – October 17, 2011
Iran said on Monday it would examine “seriously and patiently” U.S. allegations it planned to assassinate a Saudi ambassador and called on Washington to send evidence of the plot it has dismissed as baseless propaganda.
NORTH KOREA
N.Korea, US to hold nuclear talks next week: report
AFP – October 17, 2011
North Korea and the United States will hold a second meeting next week in Geneva to discuss ways to restart stalled six-nation talks on the North’s nuclear disarmament, a report said Monday.
Difficult resumption of talks
Tong Kim, The Korea Times (Opinion) – October 16, 2011
For the past 20 years, the United States and South Korea have employed various strategies, including diplomatic engagement, intentional neglect, and coercive sanctions, to deal with North Korea, but without remarkable success.
IRAQ
US military denies decision to quit Iraq after 2011
AFP – October 16, 2011
The Pentagon denied reports Saturday that the US military has given up on plans to keep several thousand troops in Iraq after a year-end deadline, saying talks with Baghdad were still underway
Analysis: Iraq U.S. troop deal drifts over immunity
Patrick Markey, Reuters – October 16, 2011
Just weeks before U.S. troops plan to leave Iraq, the country’s political elite and Washington are at odds over whether American soldiers stay as trainers: Baghdad rejects any legal immunity for U.S. soldiers and Washington says that means no deal.
UNITED STATES
What the Alleged Iran Assassination Plot Means for 2012
Michael Crowley, TIME – October 17, 2011
The big question is whether the coming months will reignite the debate about a potential military strike to disable Iran’s advancing nuclear program. With some expert warning that the window to inflict serious damage on that program is closing, the GOP’s Iran hawks may reassert themselves.
Japan’s Nuclear Accident Spreading to Some Parts of the United States
Market Watch – October 17, 2011
Universal Detection Technology Comments on Traces of Japanese Radiation Found in US Rain and Food
