Washington Post: If you thought the president’s lack of seriousness about our fiscal crisis and entitlement reform was worrisome, you should brace yourself for what is going on with national security, specifically Iran.
Influencing Iran and Obama
UNHCR calls for safety and security of Iraq’s Camp Liberty population
UNHCR: UNHCR renews its deep concern about the safety and security of the residents of Camp Liberty in Iraq in light of threats, made this week, by the group claiming responsibility for the 9 February mortar attack that killed seven people and wounded dozens.
Is the U.S. kowtowing to Iran in nuclear talks?
Washington Post: The most interesting public result of the latest talks with Iran on its nuclear program was the claim by Tehran’s chief negotiator, Saeed Jalili, that the new negotiating proposal from the United States and five partners was a possible “turning point” in what has been nearly a decade of fruitless diplomacy.
Finn to become new chief U.N. nuclear inspector: diplomats
Reuters: A senior Finnish nuclear official is to become new chief United Nations nuclear inspector in charge of monitoring Iran’s disputed atomic activities and other sensitive issues, diplomats said on Friday.
Chinese trader accused of busting Iran missile embargo
Reuters: A Chinese businessman indicted in the United States over sales of missile parts to Iran is still making millions of dollars from the trade, say security officials who monitor compliance with Western and U.N. sanctions.
Iran-Pakistan pipeline work to begin March 11: officials
AFP: An Iranian-Pakistani consortium will start work next week on a much delayed $7.5 billion gas pipeline from Pakistan to Iran that has aroused strong US opposition, Pakistani officials said on Friday.
Glencore bartered with firm linked to Iran nuclear program
Reuters: Commodities giant Glencore supplied thousands of tons of alumina to an Iranian firm that has provided aluminum to Iran’s nuclear program, intelligence and diplomatic sources told Reuters.
Iran steps up arrests, torture, executions: U.N.
Reuters: Iran has stepped up executions of prisoners including juveniles as well as arrests of dissidents who are often tortured in jail, sometimes to death, the United Nations reported on Thursday.
Iran exiles demand UN guarantee safety in Iraq
AFP: The United Nations must guarantee the safety of 3,000 Iranian opposition members in Iraq who have come under armed attack there, their leader said Thursday.
Iran nuclear talks
Reuters: Nuclear talks between Iran and world powers this week were more constructive and positive than in the past, but Iran’s willingness to negotiate seriously will not become clear until an April meeting, a senior Western diplomat said on Thursday.
