IRAN
Iran’s top leader does not rule out talks with US but urges caution
The Associated Press — July 21, 2013
Iran’s top leader said Sunday he has not prohibited talks with the U.S. but urged caution with any possible dialogue, describing the American government as untrustworthy.
New Iran president expected to tap US-educated advisers, bringing ‘worldly outlook’ to Tehran
Alastair Jamieson, NBC News — July 21, 2013
Several U.S.-educated Iranians are expected to be tapped for key posts in President Hassan Rowhani’s new administration, hinting at a break from the antagonistic rhetoric of predecessor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Iran ex-president says country can’t stay ‘angry with the world,’ urges foreign policy changes
The Associated Press — July 22, 2013
An influential Iranian ex-president is calling for deep changes in the country’s foreign policy, saying Iran can no longer remain “angry with the world.”
World powers see Iran’s Rouhani as chance for nuclear deal
Justyna Pawlak, Reuters — July 19, 2013
Six world powers see a chance that Iran’s relatively moderate new president, beset by sanctions and worried about unrest in the region trickling home, may be more amenable to compromise in a long-standing nuclear dispute, a senior Western diplomat said.
Editorial: Next Steps With Iran
Editorial Board, The New York Times — July 20, 2013
…Until the United States and Iran invest in diplomacy, there is no way to know if a deal is possible. But we cannot think of a faster way to sabotage this fleeting moment than to force Mr. Rowhani into a corner.
NORTH KOREA
Soviet-era weaponry found hidden on North Korean freighter
Billy Kenber, The Washington Post — July 20, 2013
When law enforcement agents boarded a rusty, aging North Korean freighter making a rare journey down the Panama Canal last week, they had been tipped off that they would find narcotics, Panamanian officials said…Instead, after a violent confrontation with the 35-member crew, they discovered a more unusual cargo hidden in its depths: a cache of Soviet-era weaponry concealed beneath more than 200,000 bags of Cuban brown sugar.
Biggest-ever foreign turnout expected for North Korea mass games
Diana Chan, CNN — July 22, 2013
…Massive state-sponsored entertainment is a big part of the lure of North Korea’s annual Arirang Festival, or “mass games,” and it’s drawing foreign visitors in increasing numbers.
DEFENSE SPENDING
To troops and furloughed Defense civilians, Hagel offers empathy but no hope for budget help
The Associated Press — July 21, 2013
…On the heels of the department’s first furlough day, and in three days of visits with members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, Hagel played the unenviable role of messenger to a frustrated and fearful workforce coping with the inevitability of a spending squeeze at the end of more than a decade of constant and costly war.
Doubts Loom Over Hagel’s Plan to Cut Staff
John T. Bennett, Defense News — July 21, 2013
US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel’s intention to slash Pentagon and combatant command personnel is being warmly embraced on Capitol Hill, but experts say the historic difficulty in cutting the civilian workforce may doom the effort.
NUCLEAR REDUCTIONS
Opinion: Roadblock to U.S. nuclear arms cuts
Richard Weitz, The Japan Times — July 21, 2013
In a recent speech in Berlin, U.S. President Barack Obama reaffirmed his commitment to nuclear disarmament and proposed steps toward achieving that goal. But Russia has made clear that it does not plan to pursue further reductions to its nuclear arsenal any time soon.
