"Western powers voice skepticism over Iran uranium offer"

February 3, 2010

The Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, said yesterday that Iran was ready to send uranium over seas to the west as requested by the U.N. Officials from both U.S and European today reacted skeptically to Iran's offer as its way of ending the stand off between them. In an interview with their state television, Mahmoud said that Iran would have "no problem" giving the west (U.S. and Europe) its low-enriched uranium and taking it back several months later as it will be enriched to about 20%. But his 'colleagues" say that the west will not return the uranium, resolving Iran back to producing its own enriched uranium. This plan is intended to minimize the tension between Iran and the countries debating over its nuclear program- the U.S, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany.

Reflection:

When i first read this i was honestly shocked how Iran is actually deciding to go along with one of the U.N's plans and it will allow the west to enrich their uranium for them. I would like to believe that this idea will be the end to the Iranian-U.S conflicts but i seriously dought it and there is still a lot to be done.

Evidence:

-"If we allow them to take it, there is no problem. We sign a contract to give 3.5% enriched uranium and receive 20% enriched after four or five months," the president said.

-"If Iran is serious, they can inform the IAEA that they are ready to accept the deal that's on the table."

Questions:

-What influenced Iran to consider taking the offer?

-Will Iran only take this offer to help ease the focus off of them?

All work founded from:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/feb/03/iran-uranium-enrichment-ahmadinejad

. "Western powers voice skepticism over Iran uranium offer". guardian.co.uk. 3 Feb. 2010

"North Korea: Sanctions a declaration of war"

April 18, 2009

North Korea announces that any pressure or sanctions applied against them for their rocket launch earlier this month will be considered a "declaration of war'. In a announcement on the state television, N. Korea said they were ready to step up their efforts to build nuclear weapons and pose a military response to anyone who act against them. "The revolutionary armed forces of the DPRK are always keeping themselves fully ready to go into action any moment to mercilessly punish anyone who encroaches upon the sovereignty and dignity of the DPRK even a bit," it said (DPRK: Democratic People's Republic of Korea). On Monday the United Nations condemned North Korea for launching a rocket. The United States called the launch a "provocative act" which violated a 2006 Security Council resolution that makes conducting ballistic missile launches forbidden for North Korea.

Reflection:

While reading this I am not surprised that N. Korea is taking this to an extreme level and threating war to who ever opposes them. N. Korea has already have problems in the past regarding threats and nuclear tests, this test followed by the threat will most likely cause them more problems instead of making them think twice about questioning/pursuing a solution to easing North Korea to surrendering.

Evidence:

-"The Korean People's Army will consider sanctions to be applied against the DPRK under various names over its satellite launch or any pressure to be put upon it through 'total participation' in the PSI (Proliferation Security Initiative) as a declaration of undisguised confrontation and a declaration of a war against the DPRK," the announcement on state TV said.

Questions:

-What caused the sudden threat of war from N. Korea?

-What would erupt if any war did break out.

All information found from:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/04/18/nkorea.threat/index.html

. "North Korea: Sanctions a declaration of war" CNN. 3 Feb. 2010

North Korea-Iran Foreign Relations

November 16, 2010

According to Kim Chong Ryong, North Korea's ambassador to Tehran, Pyongyang supports Iran's right to have peaceful nuclear technology and they that they recognizes that Iran had played a extremely positive role in providing stability to the region. Also according to U.S.A officials, N. Korea has also provided/sold Iran with advice and materials on how to construct ballistic missiles, which includes the Iranian Shahab-3. North Korea has also been providing Iran with technical advice for their nuclear programs and has agreed to share data with Iran's nuclear scientists. Both North Korea and Iran decline these allegations and say that Japan and the U.S.A are distorting news in order to publicize the nuclear issues between the two countries.

Reflection:

When i read this i was thinking great, the two rising nuclear threats are teaming up and helping each other expand their knowledge on nuclear technology. And i myself is curious what those two powers combined would come up with to eliminate their enemies. This is a situation that can really effect how we pursue a solution to ease the two countries into giving up their nuclear programs.

Evidence:

-"In 2000, a report citing a U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) intelligence report linked North Korea to a sale of intermediate range ballistic missile engines to Iran. Additionally, in 2005, Iranian officials reportedly traveled to Pyongyang to offer North Korea oil in exchange for missile technology, according to German magazine, Der Spiegel."

Questions:

- How did they form their alliance?

-How long has this been going on before we knew about it?

All information found from:

http://www.irantracker.org/nuclear-program/technology-sources-irans-nuclear-program#north%20korea

Zarif, Maseh. "Technology Sources for Iran's Nuclear Program". Irantracker.com. 3 Feb. 2010.

Iran Shielding Its Nuclear Efforts in Maze of Tunnels

January 10, 2010

Last September, Iran's uranium enrichment plant that was buried inside a mountain was discovered near the holy city of Qum. Over this past decade Iran has been quietly increasing parts of its atomic complex within a network of tunnels and hidden bunkers all through out the country. American government private experts say, that Iran has successfully completed two proposes in this project. For it has not only shielded its facilities from military attack due to the dense rock, also it has hidden the scale of how large the infrastructure actually is. The Obama administration is hoping to take advantage of Iran's newly discovered nuclear program to press on new stronger sanctions.

Reflection:

Reading this i wasn't surprised that Iran has another scheme that was just been reveled. But learning that this wasn't just a nuclear test or something like that but instead for over the ENTIRE past decade they have been adding to a building in the side of a mountain. I was struck-ed that no one caught sight of Iran's actions.

Evidence:

-“We’re used to facilities being above ground. Underground, it becomes literally a black hole. You can’t be sure what’s taking place.”

- “located in bunkers that cannot be destroyed through a conventional attack.”

-“If they wanted it for peaceful purposes,” he said of the Qum plant on CNN, “there’s no reason to put it so deep underground, no reason to be deceptive about it, keep it a secret for a protracted period of time.”

Questions:

-As i read this i was first wondering how did they manage to build the structure with out the rest of the world know?

- And since they happened to be able to build it over this past decade, how did the world end up finding out?

All information was found from:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/06/world/middleeast/06sanctions.html?scp=2&sq=iran%20nuclear%20program&st=cse

Broad, William. "Iran Shielding Its Nuclear Efforts in Maze of Tunnels". New York Times. 3 Feb. 2010

North Korea makes peace pledge for the New Year

January 1, 2010
North Korea stated a commitment to a lasting peace and a nuclear-free Korean peninsula in a editorial released on new years day. "The Workers' Party of Korea and the government ... will strive to develop relations of good-neighborliness and friendship with other countries and achieve global independence under the unfurled banner of independence, peace and friendship," KCNA reported. This editorial is a good sign to as the international community is trying to coax North Korea to ending their nuclear program. North Korea has refused to continue to the talks with the United States, Russia, China, South Korea and Japan, saying that they want to talk directly with the U.S. government. But the United States say that they will not make normal ties or lift sanctions off North Korea until they begin to take in-reversal steps to dismantling their nuclear facilities. "The fundamental task for ensuring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the rest of Asia is to put an end to the hostile relationship between (North Korea) and the U.S.A.". "It is the consistent stand of (North Korea) to establish a lasting peace system on the Korean Peninsula and make it nuclear-free through dialogue and negotiations.".
Analysts say that North Korea is desperate to break out of its diplomatic isolation and ease its economic pain. Especially since the U.N. Security Council put tougher sanctions on North Korea due to the nuclear and missile tests during 2009.

Reflection:

When i first read this article i was in DISBELIEF i did not believe that North Korea could be peaceful in their situation and that i did not believe even more that they would become peaceful willingly. But if this is North Korea being serious then wow the world is in for a big change. Also this would get rid (hopefully) of the nuclear situation in N. Korea.

Evidence:

-"The Workers' Party of Korea and the government ... will strive to develop relations of good-neighborliness and friendship with other countries and achieve global independence under the unfurled banner of independence, peace and friendship," KCNA reported.

-"The fundamental task for ensuring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the rest of Asia is to put an end to the hostile relationship between (North Korea) and the U.S.A.," Friday's editorial said. "It is the consistent stand of (North Korea) to establish a lasting peace system on the Korean Peninsula and make it nuclear-free through dialogue and negotiations."

Questions:
1. What made North Korea lead to a peace commitment?

2. Is this some sort of way to trick the world or is North Korea really trying to change?

All information found at:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/01/01/nkorea.nuclear/index.html?iref=allsearch

. "North Korea makes peace pledge in New Year column" CNN. 1 Feb. 2010

Israel Warns the World of Iran Being a Nuclear Threat

January 31, 2010
Israel alerts the world that a stronger line between Israel and Iran is in need due to their nuclear weapons "in the hands of a fanatical regime" are a threat to the world. The Israeli president Shimon Peres notified the head of the U.N International atomic Energy agency, Mohamed El Baradei, to work "in a serious and steadfast manner against Iran's nuclear armament"."If the idea is to engage the Iranians and have dialogue and reach a diplomatic solution, I don't think it is possible if the Iranians don't feel some pressure," Shlomo Brom. a retired general said. U.S. President Barack Obama is deploying defense systems against the possible missile attacks from Iran in the Persian Gulf. General David H. Petraeus, head of U.S. Central Command, said the United States had Aegis cruisers patrolling the Persian Gulf at all times. The cruisers are equipped with antimissile systems and advanced radar designed to intercept medium-range missiles. The deployment also includes antimissile defense systems.

Reflection:

At first as i read this I was thinking why are they paranoid of Iran targeting them, when the world (or most of it) identifies Iran as a threat as the worldwide threat. Also i was surprised at how much of a defense the United States are giving Israel.

Evidence:

- "A nuclear weapon in the hands of a fanatical regime such as the one in Iran poses a threat not only to Israel but also to the entire world."

-"If the idea is to engage the Iranians and have dialogue and reach a diplomatic solution, I don't think it is possible if the Iranians don't feel some pressure,"

Questions:
1. Why does Israel think an attack is coming?

2. What are the relations between Israel and Iran?

All information found from:
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/01/31/Israel-warns-of-Iran-nuclear-threat/UPI-19481264986396/

."Israel warns of Iran nuclear threat." UPI. 1 Feb. 2010

North Korea responds angrily to South Korea's talk of pre-emptive strike

January 27, 2010

North Korea alerted its media that they will consider any strike that South Korea takes against its nuclear facilities as a declaration of war.The North was countering to comments made by the South Korean defense minister. Defense Minister Kim Tae-young of South Korea said that his country could launch a pre-emptive strike on North Korea's nuclear facilities if it confirmed that the communist nation was preparing for a nuclear attack. The minister said that his country would have no choice but to attack first. The two countries have technically remain in a state of war since the Korean War ended in 1953, even though their relations have warmed somewhat in the last few years. The Korean conflict ended in a truce, but no formal peace treaty was ever signed.

Reflection:

What struck me about this article is how both North and South Korea are threating war on each other due to N. Korea's nuclear position. I don't see why they would announce it to the public that they are going to attack under certain situations. Also under the circumstances that they never officially signed a peace treaty that this may turn out bad.

Evidence:

-"The two countries have technically remained in a state of war since the Korean War ended in 1953"

-"North Korea will consider any pre-emptive strike that the South takes against its nuclear facilities as a declaration of war, "

-"The minister (of South Korea) said that his country would have no choice but to strike first in such a situation."

Questions:

1. Why don't they sign a formal treaty?

2. Why did both North and South Korea announce the possible attack?

I found all my information from:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/01/24/north.korea.attack.reaction/index.html?iref=allsearch

."N. Korea responds angrily to South's talk of pre-emptive strike." CNN 31 Jan. 2010

Hillary Clinton pushes new sanctions on Iran over nuclear porograms

January 27, 2010

The United States is try to get other world powers to consider putting new and more powerful number of sanctions against Iran for its global defiance over its nuclear program. During one of the meetings in London on Yemen and Afghanistan, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is making it aware for the sanctions by having talks with foreign ministers of Britain, France, Germany, Russia, China, Italy, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. The push for new sanctions comes as Iran continues to stall on a deal that has the United Nations on its side, on its nuclear program.The country had until the end of 2009 to accept the deal offered, which consists of permanent U.N. Security Council members from Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, plus Germany. But instead Iran countered, giving the West until the end of January to accept its own proposal.

But even though with all this effort China has emerged as the main spoiler in this effort to apply new sanctions against Iran. Beijing refused to send a delegate to meetings earlier this month on Iran, suggesting it did not support the new ideas.

Reflection:

When I first read saw this article I agree with Hilary Clinton's act to put on new sanctions in order to at least try and get Iran to disassemble their nuclear facilities. What struck me about this article is that china is the main factor which is stopping the U.N from applying new sanctions on Iran. The only bias perspectives that i can see is how China and other countries or opposed to the idea of new sanctions, for if they didn't take Iran's side we might be closer to submitting Iran to getting rid of their nuclear programs.

Evidence:

-"We believe that there is a growing understanding in the international community that Iran should face consequences for its defiance of international obligations," Clinton

Questions:

1. Why doesn't China approve of the new sanctions or new ideas against Iran?

2. What does Iran mean by "giving the west until the end of January to accept its own proposal"?

All information from:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/01/27/clinton.iran.nuclear/index.html?iref=allsearch

Dougherty, Jill and Labott, Elise. "Clinton Pushes for New Sanctions on Iran Over Nuclear Program". CNN 30 Jan. 2010

North Korea tests nuclear weapon as underground nuclear explosion triggers earthquake

May 25, 2009

North Korea risked further threat to the world after they claimed to have successfully tested a nuclear missile as powerful as the atomic bomb that landed on Hiroshima during world war II. The underground atomic explosion, created an earthquake of about a magnitude of 4.5 in Kilju county in North Korea's north-east. Russian defense experts estimated the explosion's power was between 10 and 20 kilotons, which is much more than the 1 kiloton measured in North Korea's first nuclear test in 2006 and that is about as powerful as the bombs the US used against Hiroshima and Nagasaki. One kiloton is equal to the explosion produced by 1,000 tones of TNT.

Reflection:

When i first read this I was shocked at how North Korea tested their nuclear weapon and it caused a earth quake which didn't only effect them but also countries around them. Also that the nuclear bomb they tested was equal to the force of about 10,000 to 20,000 tons of TNT. It's amazing how they created this weapon without any other country knowing.

Evidence:

-"Pyongyang insisted it had put a peaceful communications satellite in orbit, but experts said the technology and methods were identical to those used to launch a long-range Taepodong-2 missile."

-

Questions:

1. Why has there been no action against North Korea in any way such as sanctions or investigations regarding their nuclear tests?

2. What are the reasons behind the testing?

all information found from: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/25/north-korea-hiroshima-nuclear-test

McCurry,Justin. "

North Korea tests nuclear weapon 'as powerful as Hiroshima bomb'". 30, Jan. 2010

Essental Question

My question is What are North Korea's and Iran's true plans for their Nuclear technology. Also what is the U.N's involvement and what they plans to do. We chose this question because it is a topic that is not getting enough publicity and this topic needs to be globally aware through the U.N or via some news source (such as P.S.A's or a news network)