The Morning Brief - Lignet



Iran Expanding Nuclear Program Despite New Diplomacy
The latest failure to reach an agreement between International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors and Iran, coupled with more indications that Iran is expanding its nuclear program, are ominous signs for high-level multilateral talks on Iran’s nuclear program to be held later this month. LIGNET believes Iran’s latest obstinate behavior is related to its reading of U.S. and Israeli policies as well as upcoming Iranian presidential election in June.
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Bangladesh: Government Exploiting War Crimes Trials
The war crimes trials underway in Bangladesh for atrocities committed during its bloody 1971 war for independence from Pakistan have been criticized for their “glaring violations” and apparently are being exploited by the government for political gain. They have so far sparked massive demonstrations and violence and are likely to stoke political and sectarian tensions in Bangladesh over the long term.
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Otto Reich: Colombia’s FARC Guerrillas Lose Leverage
In an exclusive interview, former U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela Otto Reich tells LIGNET that there is hope for a peace accord between FARC, Colombia’s Marxist-Leninist guerrilla group, and the country’s government, led by President Juan Manuel Santos. Reich believes that years of defeats, both on and off the battlefield, have put pressure on FARC and made its leaders more amenable to compromise.
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Mongolia: Government Gets Greedy on Mining Contract
Mongolia appears to be heading for a showdown with Australia-based Rio Tinto [NYSE: RIO], the world’s third-largest mining company, as rising costs and new legislation concerning the country’s natural resources are bringing the two parties to loggerheads over Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia’s huge copper and gold mine. Continued disputes between the company and the government could deter foreign investors from doing business in the country and are likely to delay production from the mine.
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