The Israelis have taken responsibility for the air strike in Syria. The admission is unusual for the Israelis since they try to keep a very low profile in military and intelligence matters. The openness is clearly a signal to the Iranians, essentially telling them that similar strikes could be made against Iranian territory as well. We have also found out that the strike was not simply against an arms convoy, but also targeted a military research center. The stakes for the strike are getting higher.
The North Koreans are dropping broader hints that their third nuclear test is imminent. The increased rhetoric is in response to the new set of UN sanctions against the North Korean regime. The report details the facilities at which the tests are being developed–the intelligence community is obviously keeping a very close eye on everything going on in North Korea. What is not clear, however, is how the international community would respond to the test–the Chinese still seem to be very committed to propping up the regime in Pyongyang.
The US is trying to restart negotiations with the Afghan Taliban as the date for the 2014 withdrawal of American troops grows nearer. The US does not wish to be perceived as leaving the Afghan government in the lurch, and negotiations would be a face-saving way to demonstrate a commitment to a stable situation in Afghanistan. The intentions of the US are hardly noble, but one cannot help but wish that the negotiations will take place. The Afghan people have clearly suffered for a very long time and they deserve a better future.
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