Iran
Report: Iran confiscates Buddha statues to stop promotion of Buddhism
Author Archives: CJ Radin
Iran
A parliamentary leader said Iran would never close the Fordow nuclear site in exchange for easing economic sanctions. The Fordow plant produces 20 percent enriched uranium, which can be turned into weapons material. Iran’s navy plans to establish a new base near Pakistan’s border.
Syria
Hezbollah and Syrian rebels battled near Syria’s border with Lebanon. The clash showed the growing role for Hezbollah in Syria’s civil war.
Bahrain
Security forces broke up a terrorist cell. Eight nationals with links to Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon were arrested.
Iran
The UN Secretary General said Iran was on the same path toward developing a nuclear weapon as North Korea. Ayatollah Khamenei denied Iran was developing nuclear weapons but warned that no state could stop Iran if it chose to do so. Iran blamed Israel for killing an Iranian general in Syria and said it would […]
North Korea
North Korea uses cash couriers, false names to outwit sanctions
Hezbollah
Hezbollah’s leader Nasrallah warned Israel not to attack Lebanon and said Hezbollah doesn’t need Iranian weapons. The warning followed an Israeli attack on a convoy carrying weapons to Hezbollah.
Syria
Government troops bombarded the Golan bordering Israel. Rebels overran a base east of Aleppo airport and captured a large amount of ammunition. Druze clerics urged soldiers to defect from the Assad regime and join the opposition. Government forces kidnapped 300 people in northwestern Syria in retaliation for the abduction of 42 Shiites.
Afghanistan
Afghan Withdrawal’s Main Hurdle – Getting Gear Out
North Korea
North Korea is preparing one or two more nuclear weapon tests this year, which could include another ballistic missile launch, to force the US into diplomatic talks. The US urged North Korea to refrain from provocations.
Iran
Assassination Will Not Weaken Iran’s Support for Assad
Bangladesh
Massive protest movement emerges against Islamists in Bangladesh
Syria
Syrian Rebels Claim Near Control of a Key Province
Syria
Syrian business exodus gains pace
Syria
Heavy fighting around Aleppo airport has killed 150 rebel and government troops in the last three days. The opposition said it would not negotiate with anyone in the government who had participated in the military crackdown. The foreign ministry accused Turkey of harboring al Qaeda terrorists.
Bahrain
Violent protests continued into a second day and killed a policeman. Thousands of protesters blocked off a major road.
Iran
A general in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards was assassinated while traveling in Syria. Iran attempted to acquire 100,000 specialized magnets used in uranium enrichment machines, indicating it planned to accelerate its nuclear program. Iran denied having supplied arms to Islamist militants in Somalia.
Bahrain
Protesters demonstrated on the second anniversary of an uprising that demanded democratic reforms. One teenager was killed and dozens wounded as police fired tear gas and protesters threw firebombs.
Syria
Rebels shot down two military jets over Idlib province. The al Qaeda-linked Al Nusrah Front seized a town in the oil-rich eastern province of Hasake. Government forces seized a key district in Homs after weeks of fighting. Protesting Lebanese blocked fuel shipments to Syria.
Jordan
Eleven men went on trial for plotting suicide attacks on shopping malls and the US Embassy. All are accused of being members of al Qaeda.
Iran
Iran’s flight of fancy as image of new fighter jet is ‘faked’
North Korea
Analysis: North Korea nuclear-test drama rehashes old script
Syria
In a major engagement, government forces bombarded rebels in southeastern Damascus in an attempt to drive them out of the capital. The death toll has reached 70,000 in the two-year conflict. Qatar handed over Syria’s embassy to the opposition Syrian National Coalition.
North Korea
China Looms Over Response to Blast Test by North Korea
North Korea
North Korea conducted its third nuclear weapon test despite UN resolutions, and said it would never bow to the UN resolutions. North Korea threatened further hostile actions against the US. The test was condemned by many nations, including China, the US, Japan, Russia, and the UK, and by the UN Security Council.
Iran
Iran converted some if its enriched uranium into reactor fuel, rendering it unusable for a nuclear weapon. This is the second time Iran has taken this action, having converted 100 kg of its enriched uranium into reactor fuel last year.
North Korea
North Korea sends nuclear message, capability unclear
North Korea
N. Korea’s nuclear test raises tension, shows progress toward viable weapon
Afghan National Security Forces take over security operations
Afghan National Security Forces combat units are taking over the lead in security operations from the US and ISAF. However, substantial work remains in building the combat support units.
Lebanon
Lebanese military seals off a town involved in Syrian rebellion