Tuesday, April 6, 2010

[RED DEMOCRATICA] CFR.org Daily News Brief, April 6, 2010

 

From the Council on Foreign Relations

April 6, 2010

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

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

- Obama Releases New Nuclear Policy
- Eight Explosions Rock Baghdad
- Taliban Claims Peshawar Bombing
- Britain Announces General Election

Top of the Agenda: Obama Releases New Nuclear Policy

The Obama administration releases (WashPost) its new nuclear policy Tuesday on limiting the use of nuclear weapons. According to officials, the administration will pledge not to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear countries, whereas previous administrations said they might use nuclear weapons to retaliate against biological or chemical attacks. Obama's policy indicates that these countries must be in compliance with international treaties on nonproliferation, which leaves Iran as a potential target. Some Democratic legislators wanted the policy to say nuclear weapons would not be used first in conflict but Defense and State officials were concerned that move risked irking U.S. allies protected by the country's nuclear "umbrella."

The policy states that its pledge to not use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states is revocable. It is not expected to cut (Guardian) the number of deployed warheads beyond the 1550 agreed last month with Russia in the START treaty.

Analysis:

In the International Herald Tribune, former UN weapons inspector Hans Blix says a Middle East nuclear-free zone should be considered for nuclear weapons and uranium enrichment and plutonium reprocessing that could also facilitate nuclear power ventures for generating electricity or desalinating water regionally.

While President Obama hopes to advance his agenda to reduce the number and spread of nuclear weapons, proliferation expert Henry Sokolski says the White House faces a gamut of obstacles in this CFR interview.

Background:

Read Obama's December 2009 Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in Oslo, Norway.

MIDDLE EAST: Eight Explosions Rock Baghdad

At least eight explosions hit (al-Jazeera) Baghdad, killing at least thirty-five people and injuring more than 140 after similar attacks two days earlier.

Iran: Iran reiterated (AFP) that any new international sanctions against the country would not stop its pursuit of nuclear technology.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard will likely be the target of UN Security Council sanctions, says Iran sanctions expert Kenneth Katzman, while Congress focuses on preventing U.S. companies from selling gasoline and refining equipment to Iran.

PACIFIC RIM: Thai Red-Shirts Defy Ban to Rally

Thai red-shirt protesters defied (ThaiNewsAgency) a ban to rally in more Bangkok districts, despite a possible security crackdown and clashes with police.

China: U.S. Senator Charles Schumer attacked (FT) the Obama administration for its position on the U.S.-China currency dispute, after the U.S. Treasury delayed its annual report that may label China a "currency manipulator."

Read CFR's new Asia Unbound blog, featuring timely analysis from CFR Asia experts.

SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA: Taliban Claims Peshawar Bombing

The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility (al-Jazeera) for attacking the U.S. consulate in Peshawar, which setback Pakistani and U.S. efforts to suppress violence in the region.

India: U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner held the first meeting of the U.S.-India Economic and Financial Partnership with Indian leaders in New Delhi, designed to promote (AP) trade and investment between the two countries.

AFRICA: U.S. to Nigeria: Replace Elections Chief

The Obama administration called for the replacement (WashPost) of Nigeria's elections chief, Maurice Iwu, to ensure credible national polls next year because he oversaw a flawed election in 2007.

AMERICAS: Morales Strong in Bolivian Elections

Bolivian President Evo Morales claimed victory (MercoPress) in Sunday's regional elections for winning six of nine Bolivian provinces, while the opposition celebrated that he did not win more.

Argentina: Argentina formally protested (BBC) a possible move by China to boycott its soya oil exports amid a growing trade dispute that includes footwear and textile products.

EUROPE: Britain Announces General Election

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced that the general election will be held (Guardian) on May 6, launching the country's official election campaign.

Ukraine: Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych dissolved (DeutscheWelle) the country's commission on attaining NATO membership, another sign he is abandoning the pro-western stance of the "Orange Revolution" and re-establishing ties with Russia.

Despite fears to the contrary, the Yanukovych's presidential victory in February in some ways bolsters the democratic gains of Ukraine's Orange Revolution, says Steven Pifer in this CFR interview.
 

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