IRAN
Netanyahu warned of Iran’s nukes capability in 2009
Ben Birnbaum, The Washington Times –August 25, 2011
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told U.S. lawmakers nearly two years ago that Iran already had the capability to make a nuclear weapon, according to a U.S. diplomatic cable recently released.
European Union imposes new sanctions on Iran, Syria
Ellen Knickmeyer and Ramin Mostaghim, Los Angeles Times — August 24, 2011
It accuses the Quds Force of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard of providing support to Syrian forces seeking to quell the uprising against President Bashar Assad.
Computer firm faces scrutiny over Iran downloads
The Washington Times — August 24, 2011
A Slovakia-based computer-security firm could face a U.S. investigation for sanctions violations after its anti-virus products were downloaded in Iran in an apparent attempt to secure the country’s networks against the cyberworm that attacked Tehran’s nuclear program.
NORTH KOREA
Nortk Korea owes $11 billion of debt to Russia, Storchak says
San Francisco Chronicle — August 24, 2011
North Korea owes Russia $11 billion of debt that dates back to the Soviet period, Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Storchak told reporters at a military base near Ulan-Ude, a Siberian city close to the border with Mongolia.
U.S. and North Korea may discuss recovering remains of Americans
Choe Sang-Hun, New York Times — August 9, 2011
The United States has proposed to meet with North Korea to discuss for the first time in six years bringing home the remains of any American soldiers buried there.
AFGHANISTAN
Daunted Afghans find refuge in former foe Russia
Amie Ferris-Rotman, Reuters — August 22, 2011
Although still haunted by the decade-long war in which 15,000 Soviet troops were killed, Russia has renewed interest in Afghanistan, quietly allowing the local Afghan community to thrive as a gesture of goodwill.
CHINA
Chinese TV programme shows apparent cyber-attack on U.S. website
Tania Branigan, The Guardian — August 25, 2011
China’s state broadcaster has shown footage apparently featuring army-labelled software for attacking US-based websites, security experts say. Beijing has consistently denied being behind cyber-attacks, insisting that it plays no part in hacking and is itself a victim.
LIBYA
Libyan rebels target Gaddafi’s hometown
BBC News — August 25, 2011
Libyan rebel forces are pushing towards Col Gaddafi’s hometown of Sirte, having taken most of Tripoli.
Libya: Dirty Thoughts About Dirty Bombs
Mark Thomson, TIME — August 24, 2011
Today, the world is at the cusp of yet another major development in Libya – the end of the Gaddafi regime. And nuclear security concerns still linger. As a result of three decades of nuclear research and radioisotope production, Libya’s research center in Tajoura on the outskirts of Tripoli continues to stock large quantities of radioisotopes, radioactive wastes, and low-enriched uranium fuel.
SYRIA
In book, Cheney says he urged Bush to bomb Syria in ’07
Charlie Savage, New York Times — August 24, 2011
Former Vice President Dick Cheney says in a new memoir that he urged President George W. Bush to bomb a suspected Syrian nuclear reactor site in June 2007.
