In new space race, look out for China Nov 20, 2009
"China views the development of space and counterspace capabilities as bolstering national prestige and, like nuclear weapons, demonstrating the attributes of a great power," the report explained. The country is also thinking about "co-orbital" anti-satellite systems, Cliff said. (CNN)
Learning to Live With Nuclear Iran Nov 20, 2009
Iran's ceaseless denials that it has nuclear weapons ambitions are threadbare. A recently revealed underground nuclear enrichment plant, tunneled into the side of a mountain near the holy city of Qom, convinced International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors that there is a yet-to-be-discovered honeycomb of nuclear facilities under provincial cities. (Newsmax)
Iran rejects key part of nuclear deal Nov 20, 2009
U.S., EU nations concerned Iran intends to develop nuclear weapons ... (CNN) -- Iran will not send its partially enriched uranium abroad to be turned into material for medical research, its foreign minister said Wednesday, rejecting a key plank of a deal designed to ease international fears that Tehran aims to build nuclear weapons. (CNN -- World)
Nuclear fallout rocks Pakistan Nov 20, 2009
The operational control of the nuclear weapons is currently solely in the hands of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of the Staff Committee, General Majid. The Nuclear Command Authority bill seeks to bring into law an ordinance from the time of former president, General Pervez Musharraf, to strengthen control over the country's nuclear weapons. (Asia Times Online)
Atomic Watchdog: No Bark, No Bite Nov 20, 2009
It's hard to keep an eye on rogue regimes building nuclear weapons when you're busy singing "Kumbaya." It has long been believed that Iran was building covert nuclear facilities early on ElBaradei's watch ... He also fumed that "Israel would be utterly crazy to attack Iran," because it would "turn the region into a ball of fire and put Iran on a crash course for nuclear weapons with the support of the whole Muslim world.". (Investors Business Daily)
N. Korea offered aid to scrap nukes Nov 19, 2009
"They will be strongly pressing for North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons, but simultaneously letting the state know it has much to gain if it does," said Chung Seong-chang, an analyst at the Sejong Institute think tank near Seoul. The Obama administration plans to send its first envoy to North Korea in the next few weeks to revive stalled six-way talks on ending the North's nuclear ambitions in return for massive aid to repair its failed economy and better global standing for the largely... (MSNBC -- International)
Mesmerising but ultimately empty talk Nov 19, 2009
"In Prague," Mr Obama goes on to say, "I affirmed America's commitment to rid the world of nuclear weapons," followed by a boastful caveat ... Yet somehow it doesn't sound right for the commander-in-chief in charge of the world's biggest nuclear arsenal to lecture others on the disarmament issue, especially in Japan of all countries, where the stealthy storing and transport of US nuclear weapons has been a bitter point of contention ... If nuclear weapons are, as Mr Obama claims, "a strong and... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Show Transcript: November 19 Nov 19, 2009
But other countries believe Iran may be trying to build nuclear weapons. AZUZ: Well, there has been a lot of back-and-forth about the Obama Administration's decision to try a group of suspected 9/11 terrorists in a civilian court in New York City. (CNN -- US)
Iranian official scoffs at nuclear terms Nov 19, 2009
The United States, Europe, and Israel suspect Iran is attempting to attain nuclear weapons capability. Iran insists that its complex of nuclear technology installations is meant for civilian purposes only. (Boston Globe)
The best of bad options: more troops, but not 40,000 Nov 19, 2009
Pakistan, with nuclear weapons, is the essential American ally, not Afghanistan. But a significant US presence in Afghanistan protects America s interests in the most dangerous corner of the world. (Boston Globe)
Obama: "consequences" for Iran after nuclear snub Nov 19, 2009
com - Obama consequences for Iran after nuclear snub. " onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Obama, S. Korea's Lee offer North 'grand bargain' Nov 19, 2009
SEOUL, South Korea President Obama met Thursday with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, calling for North Korea to take "serious steps" to give up its nuclear weapons and committing himself to reviving a free-trade deal between Seoul and Washington that has stalled in the U.S. Congress. In a nationally televised joint news conference, Lee said the two presidents agreed to offer North Korea a "grand bargain" designed to provide the North with security guarantees and economic assistance in... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Reaching out Nov 19, 2009
It can not be a peaceful, a stable world," Mr Gao says. Reviving the global economy, dealing with a warming planet, securing future energy supplies, limiting the spread of nuclear weapons - these are among the biggest issues facing America's president and none can be tackled without China's help. Nudging ChinaDavid Shambaugh of George Washington University says President Obama both needs and wants China to play a greater role in the world. "China is now a global actor, literally present on every... (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Iran urged to give response to UN draft deal Nov 19, 2009
The United States, its European allies and Israel claim that Iran's nuclear program is aimed at developing nuclear weapons, while the UN Security Council also requires Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment activity. However, Iran insists that its nuclear plan is only for peaceful purposes, and continues its uranium enrichment activity despite the pressure from the western countries and relevant resolutions and sanctions of the United Nations. (Xinhuanet, China)
Iran Rejects U.N. Nuclear Proposal Nov 19, 2009
(AP) Iran's foreign minister ruled out on Wednesday sending enriched uranium out of the country for further processing, effectively rejecting the latest U.N. plan aimed at preventing Tehran from building nuclear weapons. The United Nations last month offered a deal to take 70 per cent of Iran's low-enriched uranium to reduce its stockpile of material that could be enriched to a higher level, and possibly be used to make nuclear weapons. (CBS News -- World)
Obama in Korea: warmer welcome than in China, Japan? Nov 19, 2009
Fresh from difficult sessions with China's President Hu Jintao, Mr. Obama flew into Osan Air Force base south of Seoul on Wednesday evening eager to face the leader of a conservative government fully committed to getting North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons program and strengthening the US-Korean alliance ... Obama and Lee are likely to strongly reaffirm the close alignment between Washington's plea for a "comprehensive package" and Lee's call for a "grand bargain," in which North Korea... (Christian Science Monitor)
Highlights of Sino-U.S. summit, joint statement Nov 18, 2009
JOINT STATEMENT: China and the United States underlined their commitment to the eventual realization of a world free of nuclear weapons ... OBAMA: We appreciate China's support in global non-proliferation efforts and in the verifiable elimination of nuclear weapons program on the Korean Peninsula. (Xinhuanet, China)
An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said Tuesday the report released by ElBaradei shows the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear activities. • Israel on hold despite new Iranian nuclear revelations Nov 18, 2009
All of this is cause for concern in Israel, which, along with the United States and some other countries, has been accusing Iran of secretly developing nuclear weapons under the guise of civilian programs. While Iran insists that its nuclear plan is only for peaceful purposes. (Xinhuanet, China)
Iran opening nuclear plant in 2011, agency says Nov 18, 2009
The report said Natanz had churned out almost 4,000 pounds of uranium by Nov. 2 - close to what experts consider to be needed for two nuclear weapons ... The restricted document also noted that "for well over a year," Iran had stonewalled International Atomic Energy Agency efforts to investigate allegations it actively worked on a nuclear weapons program. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Pak's nuke quest pre-dated India's 1974 test Nov 18, 2009
In a May 15 report to US lawmakers, the Congressional Research Service says Pakistan's nuclear energy program dates back to the 1950s, "but it was the loss of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in a bloody war with India that probably triggered a political decision in January 1972 (just one month later) to begin a secret nuclear weapons program." ... Pakistan has long argued, and falsely represented to the international community, that it was forced to take the nuclear weapons path because it was... (India Times, India)
Obama, China focus on cooperation amid tensions Nov 18, 2009
Beijing has supported sterner sanctions against Pyongyang for its continued nuclear weapons program ... On Iran, where the United States needs China's clout to help pressure the nation to give up any of its own nuclear weapons positions, Obama spoke with sterner language than Hu. (San Francisco Chronicle)
GAO: Los Alamos Computer Security Has Weaknesses Nov 18, 2009
The GAO audited key parts of the nuclear weapons lab's classified computers from November 2008 to July 2009. Among the GAO's findings is that the lab lacks an inventory of critical information stored on the classified computer network. (Newsmax)
Obama closes China trip with PM talks, Great Wall Nov 18, 2009
The pair vowed to push for a climate change deal, called on North Korea to return to multilateral talks on ending its nuclear weapons programme and emphasised the need to resurrect the global economy from the depths of crisis. But few concrete agreements emerged from the talks and differences were obvious in the two leaders' statements on Iran, pressing economic issues such as the value of the yuan and Tibet -- an extremely sensitive subject for China. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Fastest computer used for planet-saving science Nov 18, 2009
- At least for the moment, the world's fastest supercomputer is devoted to solving scientific questions that may save the planet climate change, renewable energy, new medicines rather than advances in nuclear weapons that might blow it up ... Roadrunner is devoted to the complex and classified evaluation of U.S. nuclear weapons. (MSNBC -- Technology)
Would Russia really use nuclear weapons against neighbors? Nov 18, 2009
Would Russia really use nuclear weapons against neighbors ... Would Russia really use nuclear weapons against neighbors ... A new Russian doctrine which says it can use nuclear weapons preemptively against small regional adversaries is seen either as a sign of aggression or bluster to mask insecurity. (Christian Science Monitor)
Obama, Hu Show Cooperation, but Divisions Remain Nov 17, 2009
Beijing has supported sterner sanctions against Pyongyang for its continued nuclear weapons program, though it has done little to enforce them against its neighbor and ally. 1. (ABC News -- Business)
Iran plays down UN nuclear report Nov 17, 2009
NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE Mined uranium ore is purified and reconstituted into solid form known as yellowcake Yellowcake is converted into a gas by heating it to about 64C (147F) Gas is fed through centrifuges, where its isotopes separate and process is repeated until uranium is enriched Low-level enriched uranium is used for nuclear fuel Highly enriched uranium can be used in nuclear weapons. But the US state department said Iran was still refusing to comply fully with its international nuclear... (BBC News -- Africa)
Obama says China agrees on Iran nuclear transparency Nov 17, 2009
Iran's nuclear programme, which Western powers have said appears to be for the production of nuclear weapons -- a charge Iran denies -- was among the issues on the table during Obama's trip to China, one of Iran's strongest trade partners. "We agreed that the Islamic Republic of Iran must provide assurance to the international community that its nuclear programme is peaceful and transparent," Obama said at a news conference with Hu. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Scientists convene at SRS ecology lab Nov 17, 2009
NERPs were originally formed to assess the environmental impact at energy and nuclear weapons sites of the Department of Energy. Over time, the goal of the NERPs has expanded to monitor human impact on the environment and to forecast environmental solutions in response to human activities at major energy facilities. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Clear communication needed Nov 17, 2009
China's defensive and strategic intentions have been crystal clear given that it is the first country to announce it would not first use nuclear weapons and would not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against a nuclear-free country. The country is always committed to a peaceful development path and will not pursue an expansive path like the historic big powers. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
China, U.S. issue joint statement Nov 17, 2009
The two sides noted the importance of people-to-people and cultural exchanges in fostering closer China-U.S. bilateral relations and therefore agreed in principle to establish a new bilateral mechanism to facilitate these exchanges," the statement said. BEIJING, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States on Tuesday called on Iran to "engage constructively" with the P5+1 and to "cooperate fully" with the IAEA to facilitate a satisfactory outcome. The call was made in a joint statement issued... (Xinhuanet, China)
Khazei gambles, calls for Obama to bring home troops Nov 17, 2009
He said the military should be focused more on Pakistan, a country with nuclear weapons, instead of on Afghanistan. We must defeat the terrorists, he said. (Boston Globe)
U.N.: Iran Nuke Plant to Begin in 2 Years Nov 17, 2009
The report said that Natanz had churned out close to 4,000 pounds of low-enriched, or nuclear fuel-grade uranium by Nov. 2 - close to the amount considered by experts that would be needed for two nuclear weapons ... The West had hoped this plan would dramatically reduce its stockpile of enriched uranium and thwart any attempts to build nuclear weapons. (CBS News -- World)
Obama, Hu Pledge to Cooperate on Iran, Curbing North Korea's Nuclear Plans Nov 17, 2009
On North Korea, Obama said he thanked Hu for Chinas efforts to bring North Korea back into negotiations aimed at dismantling its nuclear weapons that also include Japan, South Korea and Russia. We agreed on the importance of resuming the six-party talks as soon as possible, Obama said. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
Test of wills over Iran plan Nov 17, 2009
Once the US reconciles itself to this option, which would leave Iran at the threshold of potential but not realized nuclear weapons capability, then all sorts of doors for diplomacy and even rapprochement between the US and Iran would open almost overnight. For one thing, the US's efforts to enter Iran's nuclear market by, for instance, providing safety instruments for the Tehran reactor, would gain traction with Tehran's decision-makers. (Asia Times Online)
Power struggle threatens Pakistans leader Nov 17, 2009
With Congress unhappy about reports that previous counterterrorism aid had been diverted to conventional forces and fearing that some of the money might be funneled to Pakistans nuclear weapons development, the bill laid out restrictions and requirements on how the money was to be spent. The military began a public relations campaign assailing the restrictions. (MSNBC -- International)
Obama, Hu talk global challenges as world watches Nov 17, 2009
Another key area for Obama is securing stronger Chinese backing for halting the nuclear weapons ambitions of Iran and North Korea. Beijing has supported sterner sanctions against Pyongyang for its continued nuclear weapons program. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Islamists, Iran pose threat Nov 17, 2009
Israel alone can set the Iraq (nuclear weapons) program back but not destroy it. That would require a U.S. air campaign. (Cleveland Jewish News, OH)
Obama holds dialogue with Chinese youths Nov 16, 2009
SHANGHAI, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Visiting United States President Barack Obama said on Monday he would discuss economic recovery, climate change and stopping the spread of nuclear weapons in his talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao ... "Today we have a positive, constructive and comprehensive relationship that opens the door to partnership on the key global issues of our time: economic recovery, development of clean energy, stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and the surge of climate change,... (Xinhuanet, China)
US eyes China as global partner Nov 16, 2009
When it comes to Iran and nuclear nonproliferation, China has used its seat on the United Nations Security Council to frustrate US threats of tighter sanctions against Tehran unless the Islamic Republic abandons its alleged nuclear weapons program. Still, says Yan Xuetong, who heads the Institute for International Affairs Studies at Tsinghua University here, "conflicts sow the seeds of cooperation.". (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
Obama, Russia Eye December Nuclear Treaty Nov 16, 2009
Now the headlines 100 years from now if nothing is done "The Army began searching today for nuclear weapons misplaced almost a century ago near major cities, water supplies, national parks, and populated areas" ... Now at least they are giving the world a great gift in dismantling and getting rid of the dangerous nuclear weapons before some group of terrorists figures out a way to get their hands on them. (CBS News -- World)
Strained Netanyahu Visit Shows Obama's Failed Middle-East Policy Nov 16, 2009
He reviewed the latest Israeli intelligence regarding Tehran s nuclear weapons program. Israel believes the rogue could have an atomic weapon within the year and it already has a ballistic missile ready for mating. (Human Events Online)
Time 'running out' on Iran talks Nov 15, 2009
This is seen as a way for Iran to get the fuel it needs, while giving guarantees to the West that it will not be used for nuclear weapons. Iran has raised "technical and economic considerations" with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and has missed deadlines to respond. (BBC News -- Africa)
France's Kouchner pessimistic on Iran uranium deal Nov 15, 2009
JERUSALEM, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Iran appears set on rejecting a U.N.-drafted deal with world powers designed to deny it the means to produce nuclear weapons-grade uranium, French Foreign Bernard Kouchner said in comments published on Sunday ... Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons, but the secrecy around it projects and its vituperation of Israel have stirred war fears. (AlertNet)
Uranium renaissance Nov 15, 2009
Russia had tested its first nuclear bomb two years earlier and the U.S. government was in a desperate search for uranium deposits across the western United States to use in nuclear weapons ... BUST: It only takes so many nuclear weapons to create an apocalyptic arsenal ... Flooding the market with uranium could lead to a crash in the market much like the one in the late 1990s when uranium from decommissioned Russian nuclear weapons created an abundance of fuel for nuclear power plants. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
* Obama begins four-nation Asian tour in Japan Nov 14, 2009
In Japan, where a new government took power two months ago, both sides are seeking to smooth over a row on US bases and stress shared goals on climate change, the war in Afghanistan and nuclear weapons. Obama said he and Hatoyama had agreed to work together toward a nuclear-weapons-free world. (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
U.S., Japan to issue disarmament statement Nov 14, 2009
Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and President Obama will agree at their talks today to make joint efforts to realize a nuclear weapons-free world, the Yomiuri Shimbun has learned ... The communique will welcome the growing global movement toward nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament, stating that the United States, as the nation leading the movement, and Japan, as the only atom-bombed country, will work together to realize the abolition of nuclear weapons ... Hatoyama and Obama also... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Medvedev on Russia's 'survival' Nov 14, 2009
Medvedev admitted Russia is "staying afloat" today largely thanks to its Soviet-era oil and gas production facilities, nuclear weapons which protect the country and its industrial and housing infrastructure, which he admitted are "becoming increasingly obsolete.". And Russia's "shameful" dependence on the prices for its raw material exports, according to Medvedev, is the reason why it was hurt harder by the global economic crisis than many other countries in the world. (CNN -- World)
Obama in Asia Nov 14, 2009
(AP) President Barack Obama declared Saturday that an era of American disengagement in the globe's fastest-growing region is over and warned that the U.S. and its Asian partners "will not be cowed" by North Korea's continued defiance over its nuclear weapons and other provocations ... Obama offered an incentive for North Korea to abandon the nuclear weapons it is believed to already have and the production program it continues in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions. (CBS News)
Follow the Rockets Nov 14, 2009
Tipped with chemical or even nuclear weapons, rockets offered the possibility of offsetting billions of dollars of advanced U.S. military hardware at a relatively small cost. For and , offered the chance to continue to strike at Israel once Israeli troops had retreated across internationally recognized borders. (Slate)
Holmes: Britain could lead on nuclear disarmament Nov 14, 2009
The Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty codifies the principle of a world free of nuclear weapons. Article 6 obliges "nuclear weapon states" to work toward an early "cessation of the nuclear arms race," culminating in full disarmament at some future date. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Obama vows to deepen US engagement in Pacific region Nov 14, 2009
But it will get more difficult to solve as time goes by," said the premier, who has been in office for just two months. Opposition to the US bases has simmered for decades, with locals complaining about aircraft noise, pollution, the risk of accidents and crimes committed by servicemen, especially a high-profile 2005 gang-rape. On Sunday, more than 20,000 Okinawans rallied against the continued presence of 47,000 troops in Japan, a legacy of its post-war occupation, and a smaller protest was... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Medvedev laments Russia's failures Nov 14, 2009
Russia is lounging on a crumbling network of leftover Soviet oil infrastructure and nuclear weapons, he said. It has conducted a foreign policy fuelled by ''nostalgia and prejudice'', and law enforcement is riddled with ''unscrupulous'' agents, he added. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Obama declines offer to visit Hiroshima Nov 14, 2009
Obama maker of stirring speeches about "a world without nuclear weapons" and surprise winner of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize has raised expectations across Japan that he would break with the past and visit cities devastated by a weapon that only the United States has dropped on human beings ... More important than the Nobel, in the view of many Japanese, was , which committed the United States "to seek the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons." In that speech, Obama said... (MSNBC -- International)
Turkey 'could store Iran uranium' Nov 14, 2009
But the IAEA says the enriched uranium produced by Iran - the source of so much anxiety over potential nuclear weapons - is actually quite simple to handle. Turkey could quickly build such a facility and all that would be required would be IAEA monitoring of the stock. (BBC News -- Europe)
MM Lee cautions US against anti-free trade stance Nov 14, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. I see the Chinese understanding that, and seeing the strength in their high-quality manpower four times the size of America, they are hungry, they are willing to change their lives. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Obama bids for Russian help on Iran Nov 14, 2009
" Medvedev is meanwhile set to press Obama about a new nuclear weapons reduction agreement to replace the 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). With the old treaty due to run out on December 5, Russian officials have insisted that the new agreement must establish a link between missile defence systems and strategic arms. Obama's move to scrap missile shield plans in Eastern Europe appeared to have lent fresh impetus to the negotiations. But there remain reported differences on limits to... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Islamists, Iran pose threat Nov 13, 2009
Israel alone can set the Iraq (nuclear weapons) program back but not destroy it. That would require a U.S. air campaign. (Cleveland Jewish News, OH)
Germany's foreign policy: A new game of dominoes Nov 13, 2009
A week earlier she gave a speech to America s Congress, the first by a German chancellor in 52 years, and she used her toughest language yet on Iran, vowing zero tolerance for nuclear weapons in its hands and tough economic sanctions if dialogue fails ... At Mr Westerwelle s behest, the new government proposes to negotiate the removal of remaining American nuclear weapons on German soil, a modest-sounding idea with big implications ... The tactical weapons, which number in the dozens, serve... (The Economist)
Behind Turkey's New Friendship with Iran Nov 13, 2009
Erodgan recently dismissed Western anxiety over Iran's nuclear ambitions as based on "gossip." Besides, he has implied, if Israel is allowed nuclear weapons, why not Iran. Erdogan was the first world leader to congratulate Ahmedinejad on his re-election in June, even as demonstrators protesting fraud were being pummeled on the streets of Tehran. (Time.com)
Medvedev outlines plan for Russia's modernization Nov 13, 2009
Russia's prestige on the world stage can't be determined by past achievements, he said, noting that the country's oil and gas production facilities, nuclear weapons, and industrial and housing infrastructure were mostly built in the Soviet era. The modernization of the Russian economy was an issue for the country's survival under current circumstances, Medvedev stressed. (Xinhuanet, China)
Diplomats: Iran Began Nuke Plant in 2002 Nov 13, 2009
All this "crisis" mentality is being stirred up by Israel, which already has hundreds of nuclear weapons. Any nation with nuclear weapons could sell nukes to terrorists, should we bomb them all. (CBS News -- World)
Obama launches Asia tour in Japan Nov 13, 2009
The leaders were expected to agree to joint efforts to battle climate change and the spread of nuclear weapons, including the threat posed by North Korea which has in the past test-fired missiles across the Japanese islands. 2009. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Obama arrives in Japan at start of first Asia tour Nov 13, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. " Japan's top government spokesman Hirofumi Hirano said the summit would be "an opportunity to enhance relations in trust between our prime minister and the president. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Alavi Foundation: Complaint comes at delicate time for US, Iran Nov 13, 2009
Recent negotiations about Iran's nuclear program which the US fears could be used to produce nuclear weapons resulted in a compromise deal that would allow Iran's nuclear fuel to be enriched outside the country. Iran, however, has so far not endorsed the deal, leading to against the Islamic Republic. (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
