Saudis Threatened by Iran, Promises to Start a Nuclear Weapons Program of its Own

When President Obama began making the case for a deal with Iran that would delay its ability to assemble an atomic weapon, his first argument was that a nuclear-armed Iran would set off a “free-for-all” of proliferation in the Arab world. “It is almost certain that other players in the region would feel it necessary to get their own nuclear weapons,” he said in 2012, the New York Times reported.

Are Earthquakes and Volcano Activity on the Rise?

If it seems like earthquakes and erupting volcanoes are happening more frequently, that’s because they are. Looking at global magnitude six (M6) or greater from 1980 to 1989 there was an average of 108.5 earthquakes per year, from 2000 to 2009 the planet averaged 160.9 earthquakes per year: that is a 38.9% increase of M6+ earthquakes in recent years.

Iran threatens war if ‘aid ship’ to Yemen attacked

Iran threatened to declare war on any country that attacks a ship it says contains humanitarian aid currently making its way to Yemen, accompanied by warships. The warning came amid heightened tensions after the Islamic Republic seized a cargo ship last month.

Gulf Leaders Meet in Washington to Warn Obama Concerning Iran

Gulf nation leaders joined President Barack Obama at the White House Wednesday to warn of the risks of completing a nuclear deal with Iran. Obama was seeking to convince his counterparts of the potential benefits for the region.

A new world order? Putin and Xi put friendship on display

At first sight, things look very different now. When President Xi Jinping of China took pride of place next to Vladimir Putin of Russia on Saturday, they looked like any other modern world leaders: pragmatic men-in-suits, full of smiles, temporary possessors of power rather than dictators-for-life.

NATO military exercises aim to send message of resolve to Russia

NATO countries are staging massive air, land and sea exercises across Russia’s northern borders this month in response to warnings from the Kremlin and strategic analysts that President Vladimir Putin’s threats to use nuclear weapons are more than bluster.

Obama weighs offering Saudi Arabia weapons provided only to Israel

The Obama administration is quietly pushing Sunni Arab allies in the Persian Gulf to create an advanced missile defense system, and is preparing to ramp up sophisticated weapons sales to Saudi Arabia in an effort to ease regional fears over a potential nuclear deal with Iran.

Hezbollah says will attack Nusra Front inside Syria

Hezbollah’s leader said on Tuesday his Lebanon-based militant group will launch an attack inside Syria against al-Qaida-linked insurgents in the mountain region along the countries’ border.

Mysterious New Forces Fight Rebels in Yemen

A shadowy new pro-government force has been deployed in the embattled Yemeni port city of Aden, according to reports Sunday, sparking speculation that ground troops from the Saudi-led coalition may have joined the battle against Houthi rebels and their allies.

Russia is creating a $100 billion rival to the IMF

Russian President Vladimir Putin ratified an accord Saturday to set up a $100-billion reserve fund for the so-called BRICS — the five leading emerging economies that include Russia, China, Brazil, India and South Africa.

Navy to escort U.S. commercial ships near Iran

U.S. Navy warships will now accompany U.S.-flagged commercial vessels that pass through the Strait of Hormuz due to concerns that ships from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps navy could try to seize a U.S. cargo ship.

Negative interest rates put world on course for biggest mass default in history

With the advent of European Central Bank quantitative easing, what began four months ago when 10-year Swiss yields turned negative for the first time has snowballed into a veritable avalanche of negative rates across European government bond markets. In the hunt for apparently “safe assets”, investors have thrown caution to the wind, and collectively determined to pay governments for the privilege of lending to them.

Massive Earthquake Hits Nepal

Nearly 1,000 are known to have died in a powerful earthquake in Nepal, with many more feared trapped under rubble.

Syria’s Civil War Is Reaching Tipping Point

Rebels led by the Al-Nusra Front have launched a blistering three-pronged offensive aimed at consolidating their Idlib victory and rolling back the regime in northwest Syria.

US Official: Iranian Ships Moving Away from Yemen

A U.S. military official said Thursday Iranian cargo ships which may be carrying weapons for Houthi rebels in war-torn Yemen are moving away from that country, VOA News reported.

Declassified: Iran ‘At Most’ 2-3 Months from Bomb

The Obama administration says Iran is “at most” two to three months away from enriching enough nuclear fuel for an atomic bomb, an estimate that’s been known for years but kept classified until now.

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