NSN Daily Update: 8/3/09 Posted by The National Security Network

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What We’re Reading

In a ceremony conducted by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was formally endorsed as Iran’s leader for a second term. Several of his most prominent opponents, who have called his election fraudulent, did not attend the event. Meanwhile, the Iranian government put 100 reformists and moderate politicians on trial, accusing them of working with foreigners to foment a popular uprising. Three Americans who were arrested at the Iranian border are being accused of spying for the CIA. 

A bomb explosion near Herat, the main city in western Afghanistan, killed at least 12 people. Six American troops were killed over the weekend as well.

Cuba offered to talk to the US, a move that could ease half a century of enmity.

New evidence shows that Venezuelan officials have continued to assist the commanders of Colombia’s largest rebel group, helping them to obtain weapons deals and false identity cards.

China has sealed off the town of Ziketan, where several people have become infected with and two have died from the pneumonic plague.

Commentary of the Day

The New York Times praises the House for voting to end the F-22, but calls on lawmakers to further trim unnecessary defense spending.

Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry writes that the issues at stake in this month’s elections have serious implications for the future of the country.

Marc Stanley, Chairman of the National Jewish Democratic Council, refutes claims that Obama isn’t talking to Israel.

Small Wars Journal’s editors call on the U.S. to enlist the help of Afghanistan’s tribes as part of a strategy to confront violence.