Iran hedges on nuclear talks with six powers or U.S.

Adrian Croft and Alexandra Hudson / Reuters

Iran said on Sunday it was open to a U.S. offer of direct talks on its nuclear program and that six world powers had suggested a new round of nuclear negotiations this month, but without committing itself to either proposal.

 

Another Reset With Russia in Obama’s Second Term

David M. Herzenhorn and Andrew E. Kramer / The New York Times

Four years ago, Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. used an audience of world leaders at an annual security conference in Munich to propose a “reset” with Russia, the Obama administration’s first big foreign policy statement. But as Mr. Biden arrives in Germany for the same conference this weekend, the United States is quietly adopting a new approach to its old cold war rival: the cold shoulder.

 

S. Korea, U.S. Hold Naval Drill Under Nuclear Test Threat

AFP

South Korea and the United States launched a joint naval exercise involving a U.S. nuclear submarine Feb. 4, as tensions rose on the Korean peninsula ahead of an expected nuclear test by North Korea.

 

Peace Talks Start Between Myanmar and Rebels

Thomas Fuller / The New York Times

China hosted peace talks on Monday between the Myanmar government and ethnic Kachin rebels amid tentative signs that intense fighting of recent weeks was easing.

 

Propaganda programs hard to justify, Panetta says

Tom Vanden Brook / USA Today

Defense Secretary Panetta says the military struggles to gauge the effectiveness of propaganda plans.

 

Steven Chu steps down as energy secretary. So how did he do?

Brad Plumer / The Washington Post

On Friday, Steven Chu announced that he was stepping down as head of the Department of Energy. But how did he actually fare as head of the Department of Energy?

 

Cuomo Seeking Home Buyouts in Flood Zones

Thomas Kaplan / The New York Times

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo is proposing to spend as much as $400 million to purchase homes wrecked by Hurricane Sandy, have them demolished and then preserve the flood-prone land permanently, as undeveloped coastline.

 

On Our Flashpoint Blog

Iraq’s Oil Dispute is Heating Up Again

Kaitlyn Huppmann

The fight for control of Iraq’s Oil is heating up again between the government in Iraq and Kurdistan. Now, major oil companies are choosing sides.

 

New Report Outlines Climate Threat to Coastal Communities

Danielle Parillo

U.S. Global Change Research Program released a new study on Jan. 28th examing the dangers coastal communities will continue to face due to climate change.