The World Today Iran: Nuclear Poker Another turning point arrives in the dispute between Iran and the international community over Tehran’s nuclear plans. The UN Security Council is considering a report by the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohamed ElBaradei, following its call for a freeze on Iran’s uranium enrichment programme and the announcement that uranium had indeed been enriched sufficiently to generate energy. So what lies behind this elaborate stand off?
The World Today Weapons Proliferation and Resolution 1540: Iran and the Traffickers Iran’s admission that a nuclear materials’ trafficking group helped with know-how and technology has reinforced the importance of UN Security Council Resolution 1540 which aims to make such activities universally illegal. As the Council decides what to do about Iran, it will be keen to refresh the mandate of this non-proliferation initiative.
The World Today Nuclear and Radiological Weapons: Tracking the Trade America and Britain continue to warn that terrorists could steal or construct a crude nuclear bomb or radiological dispersal device – a dirty bomb – and use it in a major city. While many believe that this is an overstated threat, a stark reminder emerged in March during a trial in London, when it was alleged one of those accused had tried to obtain a radiological weapon from the Russian Mafia.
The World Today Iraq: Into the Abyss Two important, and interrelated, facts need to be understood about Iraq: the United States and British governments are no longer deciding the issues that will mould the country, and more importantly, Iraq is now in a state of civil war.
The World Today Syria: Bouncing Back Political fortunes ebb and flow rapidly in the Middle East. Within months both Israelis and Palestinians have installed new leaderships. And a year after its most serious reverse, Syria is feeling new confidence.
The World Today European Labour Restrictions: Polish Plumber Fails to Threaten The European Union should scrap the restrictions most countries imposed two years ago to prevent the free movement of workers from new member states. When the limits are reviewed this month, the Union should accept there is no evidence of the feared flood of workers, instead supply and demand has decided where they settle.
The World Today Croatia: Europe Beckons Croatia has entered a critical period in its membership negotiations with the European Union. Enmeshed in a screening process where its laws are subject to close scrutiny by the European Council, Croatia must demonstrate that they conform with the political criteria. While it has international backing, there are still several important obstacles to overcome. These include reassuring an increasingly sceptical public at home and tackling internal problems regarding the pace of refugee returns and reform of public institutions, above all the judiciary.
