Russia refuses sanctions on Iran

As reported in the NYT.

Will India test nuclear weapons?

India might test a nuclear weapon.

Millions will starve as rich countries cut aid

Tens of millions of the world's poor will have their food rations cut or cancelled in the next few weeks because rich countries have slashed aid funding.

The result, says Josette Sheeran, head of the UN's World Food Programme (WFP), could be the "loss of a generation" of children to malnutrition, food riots and political destabilisation. "We are facing a silent tsunami," said Sheeran in an exclusive interview with the Observer. "A humanitarian disaster is unrolling." The WFP feeds nearly 100 million people a year.

The US, by far the world's biggest contributor to food aid, has so far pledged $800m less than in 2008; Saudi Arabia has paid only $10m in 2009 compared with $500m in 2008; and the EU has given $130m less. Britain's promise of $69m (£43.5m) this year is nearly $100m (£63m) less than 2008, and, if nothing more is given, will be its lowest contribution since 2001.

Iran medical uranium

A story on the possible deal between Iran, Russia and France to provide Iran with uranium enriched at 19.75% to use in Iran's medical facilities. And another clearer one here.

Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize

Anybody who still thought the Nobel Peace Prize meant anything will have to change their views, as Obama just won it.

Greenwald on Iran

Glenn Greenwald points out that there is no evidence that Iran revealed to the IAEA the existence of their new facility at Qom because they learned that the US knew, so they wanted to save face.

Contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan

A GAO report on contractors.

Afrasiabi on nuclear Iran

In ATonline.

Zunes on Goldstone report

the report also concluded that Israel's military assault on Gaza was "a deliberately disproportionate attack designed to punish humiliate and terrorize a civilian population," citing Israel's deadly attacks against schools, mosques, private homes and businesses nowhere near legitimate military targets.

The report confirmed other ones such as this one by B'Tselem.

Gaza war and women

This article reports on PCHR's report on the Gaza attack's impact on women.

Israel nuclear weapons

The UNSC voted for Israel to give up its nukes.
All 10 nonpermanent members voted for the resolution, along with permanent members Russia, China and the United Kingdom. France and the United States abstained. By U.N. rules, that means the resolution passes.
The resolution calls for a nuclear weapons-free zone in the Middle East. It also demands that Israel sign the 1970 Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and submit its nuclear facilities to international inspection. Two similar, albeit nonbinding, resolutions were approved last September by the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna.

Sahimi on Iran's nuclear program

Here.

Americans on Iran

Opinion poll on Americans' perceptions of Iran.

Israeli blackmail

Jonathan Cook on how Israel blackmailed the PA into pursuing no action on the Goldstone report by threatening not to allow the Palestinians to go ahead with a cell phone project that has great economic potential.

Rearm the warlords!

Richard Bennett argues that the West must rearm the warlords to fight the Taliban.
This is certainly the most ridiculous idea of the day.