Wednesday, February 10, 2010

[RED DEMOCRATICA] CFR.org Daily Brief, February 10, 2010

 

From the Council on Foreign Relations

February 10, 2010

View this newsletter as a web page on CFR's website.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

- U.S. Offers to Help Iran Purchase Isotopes
- Germany Suggests Greek Debt Plan
- Tymoshenko Challenges Ukraine Election
- Honda Recalls More Cars Globally

Top of the Agenda: U.S. Offers to Help Iran Purchase Isotopes

The United States is promoting a plan (WashPost) to help Iran purchase medical isotopes on the international market to constrain the country's nuclear ambitions. The offer is meant to deter Iran from producing fuel for a medical research reactor, which the international community says indicates Iran's pursuit of a nuclear bomb. Iran may be reluctant to buy isotopes from abroad since it has viewed production of its own isotopes as a source of pride. The Obama administration's new offer might be primarily intended mostly to show China its exhaustive diplomatic efforts.

Iran began enriching uranium at levels closer to weapons-grade Tuesday, according to state media (WSJ). Russia, which has wavered in its support of UN sanctions, criticized Iran's move, suggesting Russia might back more punitive measures.

Iranian security officials have increased arrests (NYT) across the country, attempting to neutralize the political opposition and prevent widespread protests during Thursday's anniversary of the revolution. According to Reporters Without Borders, Iran has more journalists in prison than any other country in the world, with at least 65 in custody.

Analysis:

In the New York Times, Robert Wright says Iranians support their nuclear program as a means of resisting external punishment, suggesting a new round of sanctions might not be a "game changer," even if China supports them.

In Haaretz, A.B. Yehoshua says peace between Israel and Palestine would neutralize Iran's hatred for Israel and undermine the Iranian government's public support.

In the Boston Globe, Jeff Jacoby says gentle diplomacy with Iran won't work.

Background:

This CFR Backgrounder examines Iran's nuclear program.

EUROPE: Germany Plans for Gree

German officials said they were looking into (FT) constructing a "firewall" to prevent Greece's debt crisis from spreading across Europe. Greek public-sector workers halted activity (TimesofLondon) in the country's airports, ferry terminals, and overland border crossings to protest the government's austerity measures.

Ukraine: Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko says she will challenge (Deus tcheWelle) the country's presidential election results, after a preliminary vote count showed opposition candidateViktor Yanukovych defeated her.

MIDDLE EAST: Israel-Lebanese Relations

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri said he is concerned about Israeli planes frequently entering Lebanese airspace and fears the prospect of another war (BBC) with Israel .

PACIFIC RIM: Honda Recalls More Cars

Honda, Japan's second largest carmaker, said it would recall (Reuters) another 440,000 cars globally for faulty airbags, as rival Toyota faced further probes over its safety crisis.

China: Chinese exports and imports grew (AP) in January, signaling the recovery in global and Chinese demand is on track.

SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA: Pakistan in U.S.-Afghan Talks

Pakistan says it wants a role (NYT) in U.S.-Afghan talks to preserve its influence once U.S. forces leave Afghanistan.

Sri Lanka: Pro- and anti-government protesters demonstrated (al-Jazeera) in Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, after parliament was dissolved amid rising tensions over the arrest of General Sarath Fonseka.

AFRICA: Somali Rebel Unrest

Hundreds of Somali insurgents loyal to Islamist group al-Shabaab entered Mogadishu overnight (BBC), likely to prepare for clashes with the government.

Nigeria: Nigerian Vice President Jonathan Goodluck assumed office (DailyTrust) as acting president after a National Assembly resolution asked him to take charge, pending the return of PresidentUmaru Yar'adua.

AMERICAS: U.S. Regulator of Toyota Scrutinized

Members of Congress and independent auto experts are scrutinizing (NYT) the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to figure out why it did not act more aggressively in investigating Toyota.

Ecuador: U.S. and European officials say Ecuador is emerging as a focus for transnational criminal groups. Colombian and Mexican drug traffickers and Chinese and African human traffickers use it as a business hub, DeutscheWelle reports.

Transnational: International Adoption

Controversy over the American Christian group charged with kidnapping after it tried to unofficially adopt Haitian children has raised questions (Economist) about inter-country adoption.
 

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