IRAN
Iran’s President Calls for Restart of Nuclear Talks
Nasser Karimi, The Associated Press — August 6, 2013
Iran is ready for “serious” and swift talks with world powers over its controversial nuclear program, the country’s new president said Tuesday, echoing his earlier calls for a better dialogue with the West.
U.S. says it awaits Iran’s ‘credible steps’ on nuclear issue
Paul Eckert and Eric Beech, Reuters — August 6, 2013
The inauguration of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is a chance for that country to move quickly to resolve concerns about its nuclear program, but the United States wants to see actions from Tehran, the State Department said on Tuesday
Can Iran’s New U.S.-Educated Foreign Minister Mend Ties With Washington?
Ishaan Tahroor, Time — August 6, 2013
…Three decades of tensions mean both American and Iranian politicians are far more practiced at demonizing the other than reaching compromise. But Mohammad Javad Zarif has long proved an important exception to the rule: the Iranian career diplomat received a doctorate at the University of Denver, his children were born in the U.S., and his fluent English carries little trace of an accent.
NORTH KOREA
Signaling Thaw, North Korea Opens Plant Run by South
Gerry Mullany, The New York Times — August 7, 2013
North Korea said Wednesday that it would reopen the shuttered Kaesong industrial complex, a rare symbol of cooperation with South Korea whose operations were shut down by the North four months ago amid mounting tensions between the sworn enemies.
China and Korea: A change of partners?
Aidan Foster-Carter, Asia Times — August 7, 2013
…Eventually, if North Korea is stupid enough to remain obdurately recidivist, China may have to choose. Thinking strategically and long-term, which of the Koreas does it make economic and political sense for China to have as its ally or at least a good friend? If the question is put like that, the answer is obvious.
DEFENSE SPENDING
Carter Calls for Cuts
Signal Magazine — August 6, 2013
…Ashton Carter, deputy secretary of defense, has ordered a 20 percent reduction in headquarters management spending throughout the U.S. Defense Department. The cuts apply to all higher headquarters staff, including the Office of the Secretary of Defense Principal Staff Assistants (PSAs) and their defense agency staffs, the Joint Staff, and Service Secretary and Service Chief staffs.
Deputy Defense Secretary: Spending Must Be ‘Driven by Strategy’
Ray Suarez, PBS NewsHour — August 6, 2013
The Pentagon has completed a review of how to cut spending under the constraints imposed by sequestration. Ray Suarez sits down with Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter to discuss the challenge of protecting the nation from the threats it faces today while also preparing for “the problems that will define our future.”
RUSSIA
Kerry, Hagel and Russians Will Meet on Issues Imperiling Obama-Putin Visit
Michael D. Shear and Steven Lee Myers — August 6, 2013
Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel plan to meet here in Washington with their Russian counterparts on Friday for a day of talks that could determine the fate of a September summit meeting between President Obama and the Russian president, Vladimir V. Putin.
UNITED KINGDOM
United Kingdom’s Liberal Dems Seek to Disarm Nuclear Submarines
Global Security Newswire — August 6, 2013
The United Kingdom’s Liberal Democrats will hold a party vote next month on a plan that would move to disarm nuclear-missile submarines on patrol, Press Association’s Mediapoint reported.
NUCLEAR SECURITY
Soon, your phone may be able to help feds monitor nuclear weapons
Julian Taub, Ars Technica — August 5, 2013
…The US State Department wants to make sure that weapons of mass destruction don’t fall into the hands of terrorists. And they want to use the public to generate data to help make sure this never happens.
