Report: Status-Neutral Security, Confidence-Building and Arms Control Measures in the Georgian Context
Ulrich Kühn, Sergi Kapanadze, Wolfgang Richter Wolfgang Zellner | Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy
Territorial conflicts in Southeastern Europe have hampered the implementation of international agreements on arms control and confidence-and security-building measures (CSBMs) in disputed territories under the effective control of de facto regimes. These grey areas have resulted in uncertainties about the capabilities and activities of irregular and stationed forces, produced unchecked risk perceptions and aggravated sub-regional instability and insecurity.
Iran Launches a Missile, Testing Trump’s Vows of Strict Enforcement
David E. Sanger | New York Times
Iran conducted its first missile test since President Trump took office, American and Israeli officials said Monday, posing an early test of whether the Trump administration will make good on its promises to strictly enforce all aspects of the Iranian nuclear deal and a side agreement on missile testing. The Iranian missile traveled about 600 miles, but its re-entry vehicle reportedly exploded before the flight was complete. It is unclear whether that was accidental or a deliberate detonation.
As Secretary Mattis Prepares for Asia Visit, North Korea Starts Reactor
Joshua Berlinger | CNN
North Korea appears to be restarting a plutonium reactor just as US Secretary of Defense James Mattis prepares to visit neighboring South Korea and Japan. BAn analysis of new satellite imagery from 38 North, a North Korea tracking project associated with the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University, concludes that country is preparing to restart the reactor at the Yongbyon nuclear facility.
North Korea Could Test Midrange Missile Before ICBM, Officials Say
Elizabeth Shim | UPI
An intermediate-range missile North Korea fired several times in 2016 may be tested before Pyongyang test-fires any intercontinental ballistic missiles under Kim Jong Un's orders. South Korea military officials who spoke anonymously to local news services EDaily and the Kukmin Ilbo said North Korea has yet to perfect the technology that could allow for the atmospheric re-entry of a long-range ballistic missile.
France, Worried by Trump, Promises to Defend Iran Nuclear Deal
John Irish | Reuters
France vowed on Monday to defend Iran's nuclear deal, which U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to tear up, but said it was imperative Tehran abide strictly by the conditions of the accord. Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault arrived in the Iranian capital just as relations between Tehran and the new U.S. leadership were strained by new U.S. immigration orders that the French minister called "dangerous" and said should be revoked.
U.S. Reviews Nuclear Strike Survival for Russia and China
Anthony Capaccio | Bloomberg
U.S. intelligence agencies and the Pentagon’s Strategic Command are working on a new evaluation of whether the Russian and Chinese leadership could survive a nuclear strike and keep operating, even as President Donald Trump seeks to reshape relations with both nations. The new study, ordered by Congress before Trump took office, drew bipartisan support from members who harbor deep concern about China’s increasing military boldness and distrust of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions.