Iran

Energy-hungry, US-friendly Asian nations are left in an awkward position as US pressure on Iran increases.

The US is making a mistake in demonising Iran, says Patrick Seale. Obama should have seized the chance to engage.

With spiralling inflation, Iran’s economy is in need of rebalancing. Poor implementation of vital reforms is undermining government claims of success.

With growing concerns over its energy security, Japan is increasingly looking at MERCOSUR as an alternative to nuclear power and the Middle East.

With pressure growing on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step aside, will Iran continue to support his crackdown?

Tensions between the president and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have been bubbling to the surface. Ahmadinejad is running out of options.

The announcements of a drawdown of US troops and talks with the Taliban are welcome. But Obama’s Afghanistan policy is still muddled.

Ahmadinejad’s offer to return to talks over Iran’s nuclear programme may not be sincere. But accepting it may be the least bad option.

Burma’s rulers say the country is too poor to acquire nuclear weapons. Its ties with North Korea are still a concern, though.

Claims of witchcraft and sorcery, firings and reinstatements – who will win the battle of wills between the Supreme Leader and President Ahmadinejad?

Are economics trumping non-proliferation concerns for Chinese officials dealing with Iran and North Korea? A new UN report suggests maybe.

A UN report suggests strong links between Pyongyang and Iran over ballistic missiles. And with China.