TOP NEWS U.S. launches new missile formerly banned by arms control treaty National Interest Russia raises concerns over new U.S. ballistic missile test: RIA Reuters North Korea links 2nd ‘crucial’ test to nuclear weapons program New York Times United States U.S. launches new missile formerly banned by arms control treaty National Interest12/14/19 The United States Air Force tested a new intermediate-range ballistic missile this week. The missile blasted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and headed west, into the Pacific Ocean. Europe/Russia Russia raises concerns over new U.S. ballistic missile test: RIA Reuters12/13/19 Russia said on Friday it was alarmed after the United States tested a ground-launched ballistic missile that would have been banned under the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty, the RIA news agency reported. Turkey, Russia ‘very close’ to second missile defense deal Reuters12/13/19 Turkey could finalize terms for delivery of a second consignment of S-400 advanced missile defenses from Russia by April when the first batch will be ready to operate, Ankara’s defense industry chief said on Friday. ANALYSIS: Can Russia and the U.S. agree to keep a lid on their nuclear arsenals? Radio Free Europe/Radio LibertyMike Eckel 12/15/19 One major Cold War-era weapons treaty has collapsed. Another, aimed at building trust among the United States, Russia, and other countries, is under severe strain. Washington and Moscow are modernizing their arsenals, building new, more advanced weapons. Middle East Iran hawks win a key concession from Trump administration Stars and Stripes12/15/19 In recent days, Iran hawks in Congress leveraged Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s interest in a Senate run to win a key concession from the Trump administration that could help their bid to kill the nuclear deal with Tehran. East Asia North Korea links 2nd ‘crucial’ test to nuclear weapons program New York Times12/14/19 A second test of what appeared to be an advanced missile engine, part of what North Korea said on Saturday was part of a “reliable strategic nuclear deterrent,” left little doubt that the country is moving quickly toward resuming the program that led to a crisis with Washington two years ago. U.S. North Korea envoy dismisses year-end deadline for talks breakthrough The Guardian12/16/19 The US special envoy for North Korea has dismissed a year-end deadline set by Pyongyang to make concessions in stalled nuclear talks, but said Washington was ready to resume negotiations at any time. ANALYSIS: Looking Through the Eyes of North Korea: Gaming Out Kim Jong-Un’s Coming ‘Provocation’ National InterestDaniel R. DePetris 12/16/19 Kim’s patience with the Americans has run out and he feels an urge to demonstrate to Washington how impatient he is. ANALYSIS: How South Korea and America should respond to the next North Korea crisis National InterestJohn Dale Grover 12/16/19 Washington must continue to combine deterrence and diplomacy while working with its ally Seoul. ANALYSIS: America must dissuade China’s interest in nuclear arms National InterestMichael Mazza and Henry Sokolski 12/14/19 Certain prudent steps would assure America’s allies and make real nuclear threat reductions, including useful arms limits, much more likely not just in East Asia, but globally. South Asia ANALYSIS: This means drama: Indian missile defense is raising tensions with Pakistan National InterestMichael Peck 12/15/19 On August 2, the Defense Research Development Organization (DRDO) — India’s equivalent of the Pentagon’s DARPA research agency — launched an Advanced Area Defense (AAD) missile from Abdul Kalam island off India’s eastern coast.