IRAN
Republican Pushes New Bill to Authorize War With Iran
John Hudson, Associated Press – October 8 2013
Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) is currently searching for a co-sponsor for a bill that would authorize a US military strike against Iran. A number of foreign policy experts are concerned that this bill could damage diplomatic efforts next week at the P5+1 talks.
Security Experts Urge Obama To Continue Engagement With Iran On Nuclear Issue
Hayes Brown, Think Progress – October 9, 2013
The Iran Project, a group of thirty-five security experts, scholars and former government officials, have sent a letter to President Obama applauding his recent diplomatic efforts with Iran. They also pledged their support for the upcoming P5+1 negotiations.
Editorial: The narrow path to a nuclear deal with Iran
The Editors, Chicago Tribune – October 8, 2013
A deal with Iran that would allow the country to develop nuclear materials under UN nuclear inspectors would be “extremely risky”. In the past ten years, Iran has proved that it cannot be trusted to abide by international restraints.
VIETNAM
US, Vietnam sign nuclear trade agreement
Lesley Wroughton, Reuters – October 10, 2013
The US and Vietnam have signed an agreement that allows the transfer of peaceful nuclear technology from the former to the latter. Vietnam is planning on building its first nuclear plant and the agreement will create opportunities for US businesses in the country.
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
NNSA Sets Spring 2014 as Target For Plutonium-Disposition Decision
Douglas P. Guarino, Global Security Newswire – October 9, 2013
The National Nuclear Security Administration has targeted spring 2014 for completion of an assessment of possible options regarding the disposal of surplus weapons-grade plutonium. Many observers have claimed that this indicates a construction slowdown of one year at a reprocessing facility in South Carolina.
3-star admiral fired as No. 2 nuclear commander
Associated Press – October 9, 2013
Vice Admiral Tim Giardina, the deputy commander of US nuclear forces, was relieved of duty yesterday. He is currently under investigation in light of allegations that he had used counterfeit chips at an Iowa casino. The White House has nominated Air Force Lt. Gen. James Kowalski as Giardina’s successor.
RUSSIA
Russian warheads fueling half of US nuclear power
The Denver Post Staff, The Denver Post – October 10, 2013
Low-enriched uranium fuel from Russia has provided half of the nuclear fuel in US nuclear power stations since 1993. Russia provided the fuel through the deconstruction of 20,000 its Cold War nuclear warheads. The last shipment of this low-enriched uranium fuel is scheduled for the end of this year.
SA plans to grow Russian nuclear ties
Carol Paton, – October 10, 2013
The South African government is planning on strengthening its nuclear cooperation with Russia amid South African plans to build three new nuclear power stations in the next twenty years. An agreement would most likely allow Russian state-owned nuclear corporations an advantage in pursuing commercial contracts in the country.
