North Korea’s Nuclear Test: Trigger for Regional Conflict Francois Godement | Real Clear World
North Korea has carried out its third nuclear test since 2006, and the world perceives it as yet another "provocation". It can be safely assumed that if this international outcry intensifies, leaders in Pyongyang will smile as they would have achieved everything they could hope for. They have shaken up international politics and have made the world take notice that the DPRK is still alive and kicking and a factor to be reckoned with. Full Article
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Nick Hansen | 38 North
While the Sohae rocket test facility was the focus of international attention in 2012, construction of new facilities at the Tonghae Satellite Launching Ground has made important progress since late October 2012. Commercial satellite imagery through January 2103 confirms activity at the old launch pad, possibly to modify it in preparation for an upcoming test of a liquid-fueled rocket. Full Article
Money Control
India and the UK on Tuesday decided to start negotiations on a civil nuclear pact to facilitate entry of British companies into the emerging Indian atomic power sector. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after his delegation-level talks with visiting British Prime Minister David Cameron during which both sides reviewed entire expanse of bilateral relations. Full Article
Shannon Dininny and Mike Baker | Nevada Appeal
The long-delayed cleanup of the nation's most contaminated nuclear site became the subject of more bad news Friday, when Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced that a radioactive waste tank there is leaking. The news raises concerns about the integrity of similar tanks at south-central Washington's Hanford nuclear reservation and puts added pressure on the federal government to resolve construction problems with the plant being built to alleviate environmental and safety risks from the waste. Full Article
AFP
The European Union agreed on a raft of new sanctions on Monday against North Korea In retaliation for the country's nuclear test last week which it condemned again in the strongest possible terms. The measures range from additional financial sanctions to travel bans and asset freezes against individuals and are intended to bolster the international regime against the proliferation of nuclear weapons, a statement said. Full Article
Jonathan Tirone | Bloomberg
International sanctions designed to punish Iran for its nuclear program may be counter-productive, said scientists and security analysts tracking the decade-long dispute over the Persian Gulf nation's atomic work. While trade and financial sanctions have choked off Iran's access to materials such as aluminum and maraging steel used to make its first generation of nuclear equipment, they have spurred the Islamic Republic to find its own solutions for subsequent technological innovations. Now, Iran is positioned to both build better nuclear devices and export them. Full Article
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