Morning Brief: An olive branch to Russia
Top Story Barack Obama wrote a secret letter to his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev in February, indicating a willingness to compromise on the proposed missile defense shield in Eastern Europe in exchange for cooperation on Iran, the New York Times reports. Senior U.S. officials have confirmed that “The letter touched on a range of subjects, ...
Top Story
Top Story
Barack Obama wrote a secret letter to his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev in February, indicating a willingness to compromise on the proposed missile defense shield in Eastern Europe in exchange for cooperation on Iran, the New York Times reports. Senior U.S. officials have confirmed that “The letter touched on a range of subjects, including missile defense and how it relates to the Iranian threat.”
The letter, which was hand delivered to Medvedev by Obama administration officials, reportedly states that the missile defense system will not be needed if the Iranian nuclear threat can be neutralized with Russian help. The letter also suggests areas for cooperation on Afghanistan, the Middle East and arms control. Russia has not yet responded to the offer, but the two leaders are scheduled to meet in person for the first time in early April.
Middle East
While visiting Israel, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to a two-state solution. Nathan Brown thinks it’s time for Plan B.
Clinton told an Arab foreign minister that it’s “doubtful” that Iran will respond to U.S. offers of negotiations.
International donors have pledged $4.48 billion to rebuild Gaza.
Asia
Sri Lanka’s cricket team was attacked by gunmen in Lahore, Pakistan.
The United States’ new North Korea envoy Stephen Bosworth arrived in Beijing to being work reviving the stalled six-party talks.
An aide to Japanese opposition leader Ichiro Ozawa has been convicted of bribery.
Americas
Congressional Democrats are cracking down on tax havens.
U.S. stocks hit a 12-year low on Monday.
Raul Castro has ousted two top officials who were loyal to his brother Fidel.
Africa
The head of Guinea-Bissau’s parliament will become interim president after Monday’s presidential assassination.
Tanzania has launched a campaign to prevent the widespread murder of albinos.
A prominent Rwandan minister has been convicted of genocide.
Europe
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is in Washington to meet with Barack Obama.
Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party dominated local elections in Russia.
Joshua Keating is a former associate editor at Foreign Policy. Twitter: @joshuakeating
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