A short Weekly Brief focused mostly on the Middle East covers developments in Iran’s nuclear programs; an update on Syria, including fallout at the United Nations; concerning developments regarding violence and political division in Iraq; and efforts to combat organized crime in Mexico.
Iran’s foreign minister proposed a framework for a deal regarding its nuclear program. It would accept limits on the program in exchange for acknowledgment of its right to peaceful nuclear technology and relief from crippling economic sanctions. In an unprecedented admission, Iran recognized the damage those sanctions have done. This development was the basis for cautious optimism that progress is being made in the long struggle over Iran’s nuclear weapons program. The New York Times has an excellent review of the history of the controversy along with a summary of the new developments.
One of Syria’s top generals and intelligence officers was killed during fighting with rebels near Deir al-Zour, a city in the eastern part of the country. However, the divisions among opposition groups, some of which have links to al Qaeda, have severely hampered their effectiveness. In its zeal to aid the Syrian rebels, Turkey may have provided support to al Qaeda groups.
Though elected for the first time to the United Nations Security Council, Saudi Arabia refused to take its seat. The Saudis were frustrated over the Security Council’s failure to take action in Syria, largely due to Russia and China’s permanent seats on the Council and corresponding veto power. Apparently Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon received no notice that Saudi Arabia would refuse to join the Security Council
President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico has adopted a policy to combat organized crime through improving social welfare. The results have been mixed: murders are down 18% during the first eight months of 2013, compared with a year ago. But kidnapping and extortion have become more common.
In the wake of a recent wave of car bombs, a study recently estimated that the war in Iraq was responsible for almost half a million deaths. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has been blamed for practicing divisive and exclusionary politics that may have played a role in prompting the recent increase in violence. ForeignPolicy has a very good article.