[RED DEMOCRATICA] CFR.org Daily News Brief, 11 February, 2010

 

February 11, 2010 View this newsletter as a web page on CFR's website. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - Tensions Rise Over Iranian Regime Anniversary - EU Announces Greek Rescue Plan - Iraq Expels Blackwater Employees - Bernanke Details "Exit Strategy" Top of the Agenda: Iranian Regime Anniversary Clashes Iranian anti-regime demonstrators clashed (NYT) with government forces on the thirty-first anniversary of the Islamic Republic in Tehran, as Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced significant progress in the country's nuclear program. Ahmadinejad told the crowd Iran had produced its first batch of uranium enriched to 20 percent and that it was now a "nuclear state." He denied Iran was seeking nuclear weapons. Opposition websites reported crackdowns on anti-government protesters, including gunfire, tear gas, and attacks on opposition leaders. A son of opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi told Radio Farda (WSJ) his father had been attacked by Basij forces. Authorities also arrested the brother of opposition leader and former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami and the brother's wife. Some reports suggest both were released. Tehran residents reported Internet and cell-phone texting disruption late Wednesday. Iran is experiencing equipment failures and other technical problems (WashPost) in enriching uranium, which could undermine its plans to escalate its nuclear program. Analysis: Iranian protesters have made little progress in eight months of protests and must choose between their traditionally moderate approach and overturning the clerical government, the Washington Post reports. In the New York Times, Reuel Marc Gerecht says a democratic revolution in Tehran may be brewing. In the Jerusalem Post, Michael Danby says China's greed for oil is compromising the only system that can discipline rogue countries. In Der Spiegel, Ulrike Putz says any new sanctions against Tehran are likely to be as ineffective as existing ones. Background: This CFR Backgrounder examines Iran's nuclear program. EUROPE: EU Greek Rescue Plan European Union leaders reached a deal (FT) to back a financial rescue plan for debt-burdened Greece, led by Germany and France. EU-U.S.: The European parliament voted against (DeutscheWelle) a controversial deal to allow the EU and United States to share bank transfer data, which Washington said is crucial for counterterrorism investigations. MIDDLE EAST: Blackwater in Iraq Iraq's government ordered 250 former and current staff of U.S. security firm Blackwater to leave within a week (BBC), amid rising anti-American sentiment. Yemen: Yemen's alliance with radical Sunnis and former jihadists in fighting Shiite rebels poses complications for U.S. counterterrorism efforts, the Washington Post reports. PACIFIC RIM: EU-U.S. Stance on Chinese Dissident The United States and European Union renewed calls (Guardian) to release Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo, as a Chinese court upheld his eleven-year-sentence. Australia: Australia's employment grew beyond expectations (WSJ) in January, increasing pressure on Australia's central bank to raise interest rates again. SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA: Afghanistan Counterinsurgency As fighting intensifies in southern Afghanistan, U.S. counterinsurgency forces face difficulties (WSJ) in distinguishing insurgents from the civilians they are supposed to protect. Pakistan: Reemerging conservative Sunni Muslim activists are defending (WashPost) different strands of Islam inside Pakistan and abroad. AFRICA: Nigerian Acting President Acting Nigerian President Jonathan Goodluck reshuffled his cabinet (ThisDay) on his first day at the helm. Algeria: The government of Algeria will impose price controls (Reuters) on some consumer goods in an effort to rein in steep inflation and quell public unrest. AMERICAS: Fed's "Exit Strategy" Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke outlined (WashPost) how the Fed plans to rein in the excess liquidity. He said the rate paid to banks on excess reserves may replace the fed funds rate as the main policy tool. Haiti: Haiti's government issued widely varying (AP) death tolls from the January 12 earthquake, adding to confusion over the extent of human loss. TRANSNATIONAL: Reforming Climate Change Panel Leading climatologists suggest reforming (Reuters) the controversial Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) by splitting it up, scrapping it, or replacing it with an organization modeled on the International Atomic Energy Agency.

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