[RED DEMOCRATICA] CFR.org Daily News Brief, May 18, 2010

 

May 18, 2010 View this newsletter as a web page on CFR's website. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - U.S., Europe, Russia Cautious on Iran Deal - Eighteen Killed in Kabul Attack - Iraq Elections Panel to Pursue More Bans - Thai Govt Refuses Talks Until Rally Ends Top of the Agenda: U.S., Europe, Russia Cautious on Iran Deal The United States, Europe, and Russia responded cautiously (NYT) to Iran's unexpected announcement Monday that it had reached an agreement to ship roughly half its nuclear fuel to Turkey. The countries said they would continue to press for new sanctions against Iran. Officials were concerned that concern the deal was timed to undermine the UN Security Council's sanctions effort. Under the agreement, Iran would keep about half its current stockpile of low-enriched uranium in-country, enough fuel for one nuclear weapon. The deal illustrates how Brazil and Turkey, which have their own economic interests in opposing sanctions, could derail international consensus on sanctions. In a statement, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said the proposal "must now be conveyed clearly and authoritatively" to the International Atomic Energy Agency and that "the United States and international community continue to have serious concerns" (WashPost). Analysis: A Daily Star op-ed says if the three powers closest to Iran can convince it to behave with more transparency and to stop posturing, then avoiding sanctions is a possibility. The nuclear fuel-swap agreement announced in Tehran put the United States in a bind. Contrary to its sponsors' intentions, it will not improve confidence between the United States and Iran, writes CFR's Michael Levi. CFR's Matias Spektor says a newly assertive Brazil is likely to remain a lead player in diplomacy on Iran's nuclear program. Background: Read the May 2010 joint declaration by Iran, Turkey, and Brazil on nuclear fuel. This Backgrounder examines Iran's nuclear program. MIDDLE EAST: Iraq Elections Panel to Pursue More Bans The Iraqi commission that disqualified prospective lawmakers in the run-up to the March 7 parliamentary elections announced it was unable to ban nine others (WashPost) and that it would continue trying. PACIFIC RIM: Thai Govt Refuses Talks Until Rally Ends The Thai government said it will not enter mediated talks (BangkokPost) with red-shirt protesters in the capital until they end their rally. The escalating standoff between Thai government troops and red-shirt protesters reflects a fundamental shift in Thai politics and a weak government, writes CFR's Joshua Kurlantzick. China: China welcomed Iran's nuclear fuel-swap deal (WSJ) as a way to resolve concerns over Iran's nuclear program with diplomacy rather than sanctions or force. SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA: Eighteen Killed in Kabul Attack At least eighteen people were killed, including eight Afghan civilians and six NATO troops, in a suicide car-bomb attack in Kabul (al-Jazeera). The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. The Obama administration wants to persuade Karzai to "start behaving like a wartime leader and less like an innocent bystander in a fight between Americans and other Westerners and the Taliban," says CFR's Stephen Biddle. India: India's government is reviewing its strategy for fighting Maoist rebels after a landmine attack in Chhattisgarh state killed more than thirty people (BBC). AFRICA: Somalian President to Name New Cabinet Somalian President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said he will name a new cabinet (WSJ) to overcome political divisions that have inhibited the government in fighting the country's al-Qaeda-backed insurgency. Nigeria: Nigeria's parliament confirmed the appointment (BBC) of Kaduna state governor Namadi Sambo as the country's vice president. AMERICAS: Calderón to Address Congress on Drug War Mexican President Felipe Calderón visits Washington this week (NYT), where he will address a joint session of Congress to reassure lawmakers that Mexico is making progress on drug violence. CFR's Shannon O'Neil notes the new level of U.S.-Mexican collaboration (AmericasQuarterly) in tackling Mexico's drug-related violence. Latin America: The European Union and the Latin American trade bloc Mercosur announced they will relaunch talks on a free-trade agreement next July (MercoPress). This Backgrounder profiles Mercosur, South America's largest trade bloc. EUROPE: ECB Bond Purchases Fail to Buoy Euro The European Central Bank said it bought €16.5 billion in government bonds last week, but the announcement failed to shore up investor confidence (WSJ) about the eurozone debt crisis. Six experts weigh in on the contagion threat of the European debt crisis and the potential impact on the U.S. economy. Greece: Greece receives the first slice of its €110 billion rescue package Tuesday, just in time to repay €8.5 billion in government bonds (Guardian) that mature on Wednesday. TRANSNATIONAL: Women and the Veil Western countries with large Muslim populations are struggling to strike a balance between personal and religious freedom in passing laws about women's head coverings, the Economist reports.

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