NORTH KOREA
Reasons to talk to North Korea
Stephen Bosworth and Robert L., The New York Times – October 27, 2013
Although there are many potential pitfalls of negotiating with Pyongyang, the United States should enter talks with the North to ensure its denuclearization. Concessions should be “simultaneous” and “verified” and talks on a peace treaty to replace the current armistice should be initiated.
MISSILE DEFENSE
U.S., Germany, Italy Agree to Cooperate on MEADS Development
Global Security Newswire – October 25, 2013
The U.S., Germany and Italy have written a letter of intent outlining their continued commitment to collaborate on development of the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS). The system, designed to be used defensively in a battlefield situation, has been financed by all three countries since its inception. It is unclear whether U.S. financial collaboration will continue in light of strong opposition within both chambers of Congress.
IRAN
Kerry, Lew to brief U.S. senators on Iran nuclear talks
Patricia Zengerle and Timothy Gardner, Reuters – October 25, 2013
The Obama administration is attempting to convince the Senate Banking Committee to delay its plans to pass new sanctions against Iran in order to give its diplomatic efforts with the country a chance. Secretary of State John Kerry and Treasury Secretary Jack Lew will hold a ‘secret’ briefing on the current status of ongoing talks with Iran for the committee on Thursday.
U.S., Russia quietly cooperate on Iran
Paul Richter and Sergei L. Loiko, Los Angeles Times – October 26, 2013
Despite their occasionally frosty relationship, the U.S. and Russia are cooperating in efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Russia’s interest in cooperation stems largely from its fear of a military strike against Iran, which would destabilize its southern border and potentially harm its oil and gas industries.
Iran, powers to have expert-level nuclear talks in Vienna October 30-31
Justyna Pawlak, Reuters – October 25, 2013
Experts from Iran and the P5+1 countries (Russia, China, France, the UK, the US and Germany) will meet in Vienna to negotiate on Iran’s controversial nuclear program on October 30. The meeting could provide foundations for real progress going into the next round of Geneva talks a week later.
RUSSIA
Russia Missile Tests Raise Questions
Global Security Newswire – 25 October, 2013
The Washington Free Beacon recently asserted that Russia’s October 10 test of its SS-25 intercontinental ballistic missile violated the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty. The State department responded to this assertion by claiming that the test was “consistent” with both the New START treaty and the INF treaty.
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
Boeing, Lockheed team up again to bid for new bomber
Dominic Gates, The Seattle Times – October 28, 2013
Boeing and Lockheed Martin will prepare a joint bid for a next-generation long-range nuclear-capable bomber for the Air Force. The Air Force is offering a $55 billion contract for 80 to 100 aircraft that will replace the Air Force’s existing B-2 Stealth Bomber fleet.
Scientists in Charge of US Nuclear Weapons Are Sad
Dana Liebelson – October 25, 2013
An internal government report has revealed that workers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in California are depressed about their jobs. This depression is attributed to the “increased stress and reduced moral” among technical employees.
