Iran Risks Nuclear Cold War — The Telegraph Iran’s pursuit of weapons of mass destruction is threatening to trigger a “new Cold War” that poses an even greater threat of nuclear conflict than the stand-off between the USSR and the West, William Hague warns. Dealing with the Iranian nuclear programme is a “crisis coming down the tracks” which could lead to military conflict in the Middle East, the Foreign Secretary warns. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, the Foreign Secretary says that Iran is threatening to spark a nuclear arms race in the Middle East which could be more dangerous than the original East-West Cold War as there are not the same “safety mechanisms” in place. Read more …. Update : Iran’s nuclear ambitions could lead to ‘Middle East cold war’, says Hague — The Guardian My Comment : Hague is unfortunately correct. The Saudis have made it very clear on what they would do if Iran should develop just the capability (not production) of producing nuclear weapons.

Recruiting Film Turns Into ‘Act Of Valor’ — Military.com “Act of Valor” is a feature-length film about a team of Navy SEALs who are charged with finding a kidnapped CIA agent, which in turn, leads them on a mission to stop terrorists planning a series of suicide bombings in cities across the United States. But the project began not as a movie but as a recruiting initiative, an unorthodox circumstance that makes “Act of Valor” unique among post-9/11 war flicks. Read more …. My Comment : Looking forward to see the film.

Overnight, IAF aircraft targeted a weapon manufacturing site, and a terror activity site in the northern Gaza Strip. Direct hits were confirmed. The targeting of these sites is in response to the rockets fired at Israel. Over 30 rockets were fired at Israel in 2012. The IDF will not tolerate any attempt to harm Israeli civilians, and will operate against anyone who uses terror against the State of Israel. The Hamas terror organization is solely responsible for any terrorist activity emanating from the Gaza Strip. Gaza tunnels bombed Related posts: In Response to Rocket Fire, IAF Targets Weapon Manufacturing Site In Response to Rocket Fire, IAF Targets Terror Activity Site In Response to Rocket Fire IAF Targets Terror Tunnel and Terror Activity Site

Israel, Cyprus Sign Military Deal To Protect Energy Resources — M&C Athens/Nicosia – Israel and Cyprus signed a military agreement Thursday, allowing the former to use the airspace and territorial waters around the eastern Mediterranean island to protect vital energy resources. The search and rescue agreement, signed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Cypriot President Demetris Christofias, will allow the Israeli air force and navy to enter Cypriot space in the case of accidents or actions against oil rigs in their exclusive economic zones. Read more …. More News On the Growing Israel – Cyprus Relationship Israel and Cyprus upgrade ties — Globes Netanyahu discusses energy cooperation in Cyprus — Reuters Israel, Cyprus Ink Historic Energy Search Deal — CRIEnglish Netanyahu Says Common Pipeline With Cyprus Being ‘Studied’ — Bloomberg Businessweek Netanyahu Says Energy Tops Agenda on Cyprus Visit — Naharnet Israeli leader pays historic visit to Cyprus — Boston.com/AP Turkey protests Greek Cyprus over new gas tender — World Bulletin Turkey Warns Greek Cyprus on Oil Drilling Ahead of Israeli PM Visit — Turkish Weekly Cyprus accuses Turkey of bullying over gas find — Daily Star Cypriot FM: Turkey threatening Israel and Cyprus — Jerusalem Post

The current standoff between arms makers and the Defense Ministry over the pricing and quality of weaponry for the Russian military may continue to disrupt state defense orders in 2012. © RIA Novosti. Sergey Mamontov Russian Arms Designer Warns of Problems With Defense Orders — RIA Novosti The current standoff between arms makers and the Defense Ministry over the pricing and quality of weaponry for the Russian military may continue to disrupt state defense orders in 2012, missile designer Yury Solomonov said on Thursday. “The efforts of the defense industry have not yet been synchronized with the efforts of the Defense Ministry and the government,” Solomonov said at a meeting with Russian lawmakers. Read more …. My Comment : A more detailed report (from the Financial Times) on the state of Russia’s armed industry can be read here. On a side note …. Russia’s arms export business is booming.