Iran has rejected a draft plan for its nuclear development program that emerged after talks with France, Russia, the U.S. and the UN. According to Iranian state television reports, Iran intends to buy fuel for its nuclear reactors instead of handing over its low-enriched uranium to Russia and France by way of the International Atomic Energy Agency for processing. In the past, Iran has used counter-proposals to extend negotiations and achieve concessions.
U.S. seeks probe into Sri Lanka civil war
Based on internal reports, satellite imagery and testimony from international human-rights organizations, the U.S. State Department has called on Sri Lanka to perform a thorough and legitimate investigations into allegations of war crimes at the conclusion of the long civil war between state forces and Tamil Tigers rebels. After an inquiry conducted by the European Union on severe human-rights violations after the end of the war, the EU has indicated it might strip Sri Lanka of more than $100 million in trade concessions. Despite criticism from Western governments and the Tamil diaspora, Sri Lanka's government remains exceedingly popular at home.
Nigeria uses oil revenue to fund peace plan
Nigeria's latest effort to end hostilities in the oil-rich Niger Delta is the country's best chance to capitalize on the potential wealth to promote stability and development, The Economist writes. Thousands of fighters accepted a recent government offer of amnesty, cash and education in exchange for promises of infrastructure improvements and better distribution of oil revenue
A defiant Karroubi continues to resist Iranian authorities
Although he was considered an also-ran in the contested election of incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over challenger Mir Hussein Moussavi, Iranian cleric Mehdi Karroubi has emerged as the most vocal and motivated critic of the Iranian leadership. Though the opposition largely has been stalled by ceaseless efforts to suppress it on behalf of the Iranian government and Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran has been unable to silence Karroubi, who faces a special court that will consider whether he should be brought up on charges
Taliban name causes confusion in Afghanistan, Pakistan plans
American officials are struggling to incorporate into their planning the differences between Taliban forces in Pakistan and Afghanistan that share a common ideology and ethnic makeup but have different structures and goals. The Afghan Taliban is a national movement aimed at forcing foreign troops of Afghan soil and forming a government, while the Pakistani Taliban is made up a loose coalition of militant groups with individual interests. The New York Times (10/22) Email this Story
Darfur activists cautiously optimistic over Obama Sudan strategy
Activists working to end violence in the Darfur region of Sudan have greeted U.S. President Barack Obama's new Sudan policy with caution as violence begins to increase in southern Sudan as well. The plan calls for a carrot-and-stick approach to Khartoum that observers believe reflects fissures within the administration on the best course of action.
Suicide attack strikes Pakistani aeronautics plant
A suicide bomber struck a checkpoint at the entrance of an aeronautical manufacturing complex in Pakistan, killing seven people and advancing a long series of attacks against prominent targets in Pakistan. The bombing of the Kamra facility, where Pakistani engineers work to build the nation's jet and radar systems, is the latest retaliation against the Pakistani military offensive against Taliban and al-Qaida in South Waziristan.
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