IRAN
U.N. Says Iran Has Virtually Frozen Nuclear Program in Last Few Months
Jay Solomon and Carol E. Lee, The Wall Street Journal – November 14, 2013
The United Nation’s reports that Iran has virtually halted expansion of its controversial nuclear program since Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was elected to office in early August. The findings could aid diplomacy between Tehran and global powers next week.
David Vitter amendment could delay Iran sanctions
Burgess Everett, Politico – November 14, 2013
Senator David Vitter (R-LA) has proposed an affordable care act amendment that could delay the issuance of a new round of sanctions against Iran. The sanctions legislation has been attached as an amendment to the FY 2014 defense authorization bill, which may only be voted on in December if Senator Vitter’s proposed amendment is to be voted on first.
Israel must not gamble with its security, warns minister
AFP – November 15, 2013
Israeli Economy Minister Naftali Bennett, currently visiting the US, has argued that the P5+1 (Russia, China, France, the UK, the US and Germany) negotiations should aim at dismantling the Iranian nuclear program rather than attempt to negotiate a temporary pause in their nuclear activities.
Hagel Defends Kerry’s Engagement with Iran
Stephanie Gaskell, Defense One – November 14, 2013
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has said that he supports Secretary of State John Kerry’s diplomatic efforts to open up a dialogue with Iran. Speaking at a Defense One Summit in Washington, he said “Engagement is not surrender, it’s not appeasement, engagement is not negotiation.”
RUSSIA
Last Shipment of Nuclear Fuel From Russian Bombs Heads to U.S.
Andrew E. Kramer, The New York Times – November 14, 2013
A US-Russian program known as “Megatons for Megawatts” came to an end on Thursday. Under the program, nuclear material was converted from old Soviet nuclear warheads before being shipped to the US to be used in civilian nuclear reactors. Over the 20 year lifespan of the agreement, 10 percent of all electricity generated in the US was supplied by the fuel from this program.
NORTH KOREA
US Envoy to Visit China for Talks on NKorea
Associated Press – November 14, 2013
US special representative for North Korea policy Glyn Davis will visit China, South Korea and Japan next week for discussions regarding North Korea’s controversial nuclear weapons program. The US hopes that the trip will progress current efforts to develop a common position among countries in the region on how to persuade North Korea to disarm its nuclear capabilities.
CHEMICAL WEAPONS
Albania Rejects Request to Host Destruction of Syrian Chemical Weapons
Alan Cowell, The New York Times – November 15, 2013
Albania has turned down a US request to host facilities for the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile. The news is a setback for Washington, which is trying to find a country willing to take on the task. Addressing the nation on Friday, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said “We lack the necessary capacities to get involved in this operation.”
BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS
Pentagon seeking vaccine for bioterror disease threat
Military Times – November 15, 2013
After many years, the Pentagon is still trying to develop a vaccine for Coxiella Burnetti, a “weaponizable” virus that causes the highly infection disease known as Q fever. Pentagon medical reports show that a number of US soldiers returned home from tours in Iraq infected with the disease.
