UPI International Intelligence articles from January 2006

UPI International Intelligence archives from January 2006

Common Ground: Spoilers at the table.
January 1, 2006... Byline: NEIL STORMER WASHINGTON, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- The question of how to deal with spoiler groups with large followings is not easily answered. The most extreme opponents seldom make welcome negotiating partners, but without their...

Analysis: Oil still a lucrative business.
January 1, 2006... Byline: ANDREA R. MIHAILESCU NEW YORK, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- There was a record $390 billion in energy mergers and acquisitions in 2005 despite volatility in energy prices, and energy deals in 2006 could set a new record. Oil is still a...

Walker's World: Noordin lives on.
January 1, 2006... Byline: MARTIN WALKER WASHINGTON, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- Malaysia has just lost one of its leading citizens, Asia has lost one of its most dynamic and profound thinkers, international journalism has lost a star, and I have just lost a friend. ...

Analysis: S.Korea's new point man on North.
January 2, 2006... Byline: JONG-HEON LEE SEOUL, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun on Monday appointed his security adviser as the country's point man on negotiating with North Korea, a sign that indicates Seoul's greater efforts toward...

Analysis:Bid for self-rule not to take off.
January 2, 2006... Byline: KUSHAL JEENA NEW DELHI, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- The move to grant self-rule in disputed Kashmir is unlikely to take off for the extreme position taken by India and Pakistan on the proposal, Indian experts on Kashmir said Monday. "The...

Agencies warn of terror strike in Delhi.
January 2, 2006... Byline: United Press International NEW DELHI, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Indian intelligence agencies have warned the federal government of more terror attacks in the capital. "According to an intelligence input, Bangladeshi militant outfit...

Sino-India trade to reach new high.
January 2, 2006... NEW DELHI, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- India said its bilateral trade with China would reach new high this year with the visit of President Hu Jintao in July. During the visit of China's Premier in April last year it was decided to take bilateral ties...

Special Indian group to deal with Maoists.
January 2, 2006... NEW DELHI, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- India said it has raised a special operation group to check Maoist violence in different states. "Unable to carry out sustained operations against Naxals, the Central Reserve Police Force deployed in all states...

Outside View:10 issues for the EU.
January 2, 2006... Byline: DENIS MCSHANE ROTHERHAM, England, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- 1) The European Union's budget row is over. Tony Blair accomplished what many said was mission impossible. He persuaded the richer West European countries to show solidarity to the...

Policy Watch: Perspective on Saudi Arabia.
January 2, 2006... Byline: MARK N. KATZ WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- There has been a lot of criticism of the Saudis recently. Saudi money is said to be backing the spread of an extremist version of Islam, even Islamic terrorism, throughout the Muslim world....

Outside View: Briefing on North Korea.
January 2, 2006... Byline: MARC. S ELLENBOGEN PRAGUE, Czech Republic, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- In my teens, I would watch TV in amazement as Red Adair would coordinate the extinguishing of massive fires in countries the United States government wanted nothing to do...

French hope for a better 2006.
January 2, 2006... Byline: ELIZABETH BRYANT PARIS, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- After an indisputable "annus horribilis" marked by underwhelming economic statistics, the defeat of the European constitution in the polls, the plunging popularity of French President Jacques...

Kidnapped German diplomat and family free.
January 2, 2006... Byline: STEFAN NICOLA KEHL AM RHEIN, Germany, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- A former top German diplomat and ambassador to Washington returned to Germany unharmed after he and his family survived a four-day kidnapping ordeal in Yemen. Juergen...

Analysis: For Annan 2006 not the best.
January 2, 2006... Byline: ROLAND FLAMINI WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, having faced a year of family scandals, publicly admitted that 1992 was her "annus horribilis," her horrible year. U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan could say...

Palestinian elections may yet be postponed.
January 2, 2006... Byline: JOSHUA BRILLIANT JERUSALEM, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Three weeks before the Palestinian elections it is still not clear whether they will be held on time or postponed. Central Elections Commission officials are continuing preparations,...

Analysis: Is U.S. planning to hit Iran?
January 3, 2006... Byline: CLAUDE SALHANI WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Amid all the uncertainties plaguing the Middle East there are at least three sure things. First, Iran will continue to build its nuclear weapons despite cries of protests from the...

Government to lift state of emergency.
January 3, 2006... Byline: ELIZABETH BRYANT PARIS, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- France is lifting a state of emergency imposed two months ago to curb the worst outbreak of civil unrest in nearly 40 years. But even before the decree is lifted Wednesday -- six weeks...

Review of the Arab press.
January 3, 2006... AMMAN, Jordan, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Arab press roundup for Jan. 3: The Jordan Times warned in its editorial Tuesday against postponing the Palestinian legislative elections due later this month, saying those actively opposing the polls are...

Maoist violence may spill over to India.
January 3, 2006... Byline: KUSHAL JEENA NEW DELHI, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- The calling-off the unilateral truce by Maoists rebels in Nepal is worrisome for India, as it fears the bloody violence may spill over into its territory, Indian political analysts said...

Lanka divided on Rajapaksha's India visit.
January 3, 2006... Byline: United Press International NEW DELHI, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Rival communities of Sri Lanka are divided on President Rajpaksha's recent visit to India. According to The Times of India the majority Sinhalas feel that precious little...

India enters into nuclear talks with Japan.
January 3, 2006... Byline: United Press International NEW DELHI, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- India Tuesday said it would launch a nuclear dialogue with Japan to secure support for its civilian nuclear energy quest. The Indian Express newspaper said Tuesday that...

Analysis: Germany hopes for better 2006.
January 3, 2006... Byline: STEFAN NICOLA KEHL AM RHEIN, Germany, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- With a vow by Chancellor Angela Merkel to steer Germany back into the top three positions in Europe, Berlin is hoping 2006 will be the year it can turn its sluggish economy...

UPI Energy Watch.
January 3, 2006... Byline: ANDREA R. MIHAILESCU WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Gazprom-Ukraine spat may affect British households British households may see their energy bills grow even higher due to the ongoing natural gas price dispute between Russian gas...

July 7 bombings 'cost just $1,000'.
January 3, 2006... Byline: HANNAH K. STRANGE LONDON, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- The London bombings of July 7 cost just $1,000 to execute and were paid for primarily out of one of the bomber's wages, it was reported Tuesday. Immediately after the attacks in the...

German energy future creates coalition row.
January 4, 2006... Byline: STEFAN NICOLA KEHL AM RHEIN, Germany, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Fueled by the Russian-Ukraine natural gas row, the debate over Germany's energy future has been reignited, with conservatives calling on Social Democrats to step back from their...

Review of the Arab press.
January 4, 2006... AMMAN, Jordan, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Arab press roundup for Jan. 4: Kuwait's as-Seyassah daily reported Wednesday that former Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam was working towards forming a government-in-exile after he spoke out against...

LTTE plans to kill leaders.
January 4, 2006... NEW DELHI, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Sri Lankan rebels are planning to kill top political leaders including President Mahinda Rajapaskha. "We have had intelligence reports to this effect for sometime now, "said Pujitha Jayasundara, Deputy Inspector...

Police nabs head of LeT.
January 4, 2006... NEW DELHI, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Police arrested South India chief of terror outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba for attack on premier science institute. "A team of the Hyderabad police arrested Rehman, 35 in Nalgonda district of Andhra Pradesh. He is said to...

UPI Energy Watch.
January 4, 2006... Byline: ANDREA R. MIHAILESCU WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- EU evaluates security of gas supplies Officials from 25 member states of the European Union held emergency energy talks Wednesday to discuss the dispute between Russia and...

Commentary: Iran target.
January 4, 2006... Byline: ARNAUD DE BORCHGRAVE WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- If anyone has any doubt about the kind of nuclear work Iran has been doing for the past 18 years, it must be a case of naivete compounded by gullibility. Nor should there be any...

MI6 agents 'present during torture'.
January 4, 2006... Byline: HANNAH K. STRANGE LONDON, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Pressure is increasing on the British government over allegations that its intelligence agents participated in the kidnap and torture of 28 Pakistanis in Greece following the July 7...

Hamas gains make Israelis rethink.
January 4, 2006... Byline: JOSHUA BRILLIANT JERUSALEM, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- "Even if Hamas does not win a majority (in the forthcoming elections) it will become part of the Palestinian Authority, the government. It will demand an adequate, proportional...

Analysis: The stroke that felled Sharon.
January 4, 2006... Byline: MARTIN SIEFF WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- The "significant" stroke that felled 78-year-old Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon Wednesday probably also doomed his crusade to transform Israeli politics. The initial reports of...

Review of the Arab press.
January 5, 2006... AMMAN, Jordan, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Arab press roundup for Jan. 5: The Palestinian al-Ayyam daily Thursday criticized in a commentary what it described as a shift from a Palestinian revolution to armed gangs that rule the streets. The mainstream...

ETA claims responsibility for blasts.
January 5, 2006... PARIS, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- ETA has claimed responsibility for two small explosions in Spain Thursday that produced no casualties. The first took place at about 8 a.m. local time near a hotel in Saragossa in Spain's Aragon province. The second...

France to create transportation police.
January 5, 2006... PARIS, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- The French government wants to create a special police force tasked to keep order on the country's transportation systems, following New Year's violence on a suburban train. The proposal was announced Wednesday night...

Sharon in severe condition after surgery.
January 5, 2006... TEL AVIV, Israel, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon Thursday underwent major brain surgery that may have left him incapable of carrying on as Israel's leader. Sharon was rushed to the Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem late...

Analysis: Asian politics to realign.
January 5, 2006... Byline: KUSHAL JEENA NEW DELHI, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- An agreement between India and Japan to start an annual dialogue on nuclear matters is indicative of the realignment of political forces on the Asian continent, Indian analysts said Thursday....

Analysis: S.Korea's Roh facing challenge.
January 5, 2006... Byline: JONG-HEON LEE SEOUL, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, who ended the scandal-tainted year with an apology for police brutality, is facing another tough challenge at the dawn of the new year, in the aftermath of...

Analysis: Olmert can win.
January 5, 2006... Byline: MARTIN SIEFF WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Conventional Wisdom, especially among Washington neo-conservatives, is already asserting that Ariel Sharon's transformation of Israeli politics is a dead duck because of his apparently...

Germany debates World Cup security.
January 5, 2006... Byline: STEFAN NICOLA KEHL AM RHEIN, Germany, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Germany has ordered four NATO air reconnaissance planes to spot potential terror attacks during the FIFA Soccer World Cup, the world's most popular sporting event the country...

UPI Energy Watch.
January 5, 2006... Byline: ANDREA R. MIHAILESCU WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Chevron makes oil find in Gulf of Mexico Chevron said Wednesday it made another deepwater oil discovery at the Big Foot prospect, which is approximately 225 miles south of New...

'Sharon illness hardly affects his party'.
January 5, 2006... Byline: JOSHUA BRILLIANT TEL AVIV, Israel, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's brain stroke and massive bleeding seems to have ended his political career but his new party. Kadima is likely to remain very influential,...

Politics & Policies: Sharon's legacy.
January 6, 2006... Byline: CLAUDE SALHANI WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon departs the political scene leaving a legacy of war and peace, having fought for both with equal vigor. For peace to take a foothold in the...

U.K. 'U-turn' on Iran bomb claims.
January 6, 2006... Byline: HANNAH K. STRANGE LONDON, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- British parliamentarians and soldiers' families have accused the government of making politically motivated accusations that Iran was involved in killing troops in southern Iraq, after...

U.K.'s Straw: Sharon a 'man of courage'.
January 6, 2006... LONDON, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw paid tribute Friday to ailing Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and said he was hoping and praying "for a miracle." "This man is a man not only of great political courage but of...

Germans revive Security Council claim.
January 6, 2006... Byline: ROLAND FLAMINI AND STEFAN NICOLA WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Proposals to enlarge the U.N. Security Council have been re-submitted even though prospects of success in increasing the number of seats in the decision-making body had...

UPI Energy Watch.
January 6, 2006... Byline: ANDREA R. MIHAILESCU WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Statoil, Norsk Hydro get ok to work on Shtokman project The Norwegian government said it would allow upstream majors Statoil and Norsk Hydro to actively pursue a role in the...

Policy Watch: Unnatural Gas Deal.
January 7, 2006... Byline: MARK N. KATZ WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- There has been a lot of coverage about how Russian natural gas giant, Gazprom, has recently sought to raise the price it charges Ukraine from a below-market $50 per 1,000 cubic meters to...

American journalist kidnapped in Iraq.
January 7, 2006... BAGHDAD, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Iraqi police officials said Saturday unidentified gunmen have kidnapped an American female journalist after killing her Iraqi translator in Baghdad. They said the driver of the bus in which the journalist and...

Six killed in Yemen clashes.
January 7, 2006... SANAA, Yemen, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- A Yemeni opposition group said Saturday six people were killed, including two soldiers, in separate clashes between the authorities and Islamic militants. The Islamic Reform Party said on its website that four...

Straw urges Iraqis to accept poll results.
January 7, 2006... BAGHDAD, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw urged Iraqis to accept the final results of last month's general elections and to form an inclusive unity government. In a joint news conference with outgoing Iraqi President...

Islamic Jihad considers election boycott.
January 7, 2006... GAZA, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- The Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant movement said Saturday it will likely boycott the legislative elections this month. Jihad spokesman in Gaza, Khader Habib, told United Press International his group was studying...

Clerics warn against anti-Islamic campaign.
January 7, 2006... RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Organizers said Saturday that Muslim scholars meeting in Saudi Arabia have warned against what they said was the "suspicious and evil anti-Islamic campaign." They said the scholars, who met in a two-day...

Outside View: India's huge challenges.
January 8, 2006... Byline: DIETER FARWICK MUNICHI, Germany, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- For India, the ability of its economy to bolster India's new role in world politics is crucial. Only a strong economy will enable India to cope with demanding challenges. But...

Common Ground: 2006-the year of hope?
January 8, 2006... Byline: DAOUD KUTTAB RAMALLAH, West Bank, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Political changes in Palestine and Israel, as well as changes in attitudes in both societies and in the international community, provide a rare glimmer of hope that important...

Interview: Khaddam seeks new alliance.
January 9, 2006... Byline: GEORGES SASSINE PARIS, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Former Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam, who broke away from the ruling Baath Party and now lives in exile in Paris, said he was seeking to establish a national alliance for ousting...

Commentary: Israel's new doctrine.
January 9, 2006... Byline: ARNAUD DE BORCHGRAVE WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- A new national security doctrine for Israel was already taking shape before Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was felled by a massive stroke. The roadmap for a negotiated two-state...

Commentary: Murder rewarded.
January 9, 2006... Byline: ARNAUD DE BORCHGRAVE WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- The top U.S. commander in Iraq, Gen. George W. Casey Jr., in a recent TV interview, said murder was never a winning strategy and the sooner Iraqi insurgents understand this, the...

New call to impeach Blair over Iraq.
January 9, 2006... Byline: HANNAH K. STRANGE LONDON, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair should be impeached for going to war on Iraq on a false basis, one of Britain's most senior former soldiers said Monday. The ex-United Nations...

India PM not to visit Pakistan.
January 9, 2006... NEW DELHI, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said he has no plans to visit Pakistan to see an ongoing cricket match between to nations. "The Prime Minister had no plans to view any of the three test cricket matches or...

Corridors of Power: The lady was a spy.
January 9, 2006... Byline: ROLAND FLAMINI WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Susanne Osthoff, the German archeologist kidnapped by Iraqi gunmen on Nov. 25 and released before Christmas was connected with her country's intelligence service, the BND, and had helped...

Merkel bashes Guantanamo ahead of US trip.
January 9, 2006... Byline: STEFAN NICOLA KEHL AM RHEIN, Germany, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Angela Merkel kicked up political dust by saying the U.S. should close down their military prisons in Guantanamo Bay, just days before her first official trip to Washington as...

Outside View: Charted his nation's destiny.
January 9, 2006... Byline: ALON BEN-MEIR NEW YORK, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- There are no words to express the sadness of millions of Israelis and people around the world on hearing of the stroke suffered by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon during this fateful time in the...

UPI Energy Watch.
January 9, 2006... Byline: ANDREA R. MIHAILESCU WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Turkmenistan seeks output increase to boost exports Turkmenistan plans to invest some $60 billion until 2020 to develop its capabilities to extract oil and gas supplies as it...

Syrian dissident raises questions.
January 9, 2006... Byline: ELIZABETH BRYANT PARIS, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- After remaining silent for months, former Syrian vice-president Abdel Halim Khaddam is suddenly talking -- using the international media to call for the toppling of his country's government...

Analysis: U.S. envoys to Eritrea-Ethiopia.
January 9, 2006... Byline: WILLIAM M. REILLY UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- The United Nations says it sees no immediate threat of war along the tense border between Eritrea and Ethiopia as the United States dispatches a diplomatic delegation to the Horn of...

French Hostage from Iraq arrive in Paris.
January 9, 2006... PARIS, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Former French hostage Bernard Planche arrived in Paris late Monday after a month as a hostage in Iraq. Clad in a gray sweater and jogging pants, Planche read a brief statement at a military base in Orleans thanking...

New man at Israel's helm: Olmert.
January 10, 2006... Byline: JOSHUA BRILLIANT JERUSALEM, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- A quiet Jerusalem street named after the 1947 U.N. Partition Plan bears one of the most potent signs of the latest political change in Israel. The street is kaf-tet benovember,...

S. Korea hero scientist hit by final blow.
January 10, 2006... Byline: JONG-HEON LEE SEOUL, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- South Korean cloning pioneer Hwang Woo-Suk faked landmark stem cell research in 2004, an academic panel said Tuesday, dealing a final blow to the disgraced scientist who was accused of...

France debates publicity for Iraq hostages.
January 10, 2006... Byline: ELIZABETH BRYANT PARIS, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- French engineer Bernard Planche returned home late Monday after being held hostage for 35 days in Iraq, saying nothing -- publicly -- about his capture, detention or release. At a...

Analysis: Few results in Abbas' first year.
January 10, 2006... Byline: OREIB RINTAWI AMMAN, Jordan, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- A year has passed since Mahmoud Abbas succeeded late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat as the head of the Palestinian Authority. During that time, he made genuine efforts to introduce...

India hopes to have nuke plan in place.
January 10, 2006... Byline: KUSHAL JEENA NEW DELHI, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Indian officials are working overtime on the details of a plan to complete the separation of the country's 15 operational nuclear reactors and other similar facilities before U.S. President...

EU-3 mulls breaking off talks with Iran.
January 10, 2006... Byline: STEFAN NICOLA KEHL AM RHEIN, Germany, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Germany criticized Iran for resuming uranium enrichment activities with Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier considering a suspension of talks with the Islamic Republic....

Spain: Tensions over army revolt threat.
January 10, 2006... Byline: HANNAH K. STRANGE LONDON, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Fears are growing in Spain over the possibility of a military revolt against Catalan plans for an upgrading of the region's autonomous status. The head of Spain's 50,000-strong ground...

UPI Energy Watch.
January 10, 2006... Byline: ANDREA R. MIHAILESCU WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Venezuela barters oil for pregnant cows In a deal worth $250 million, Venezuela plans to supply Argentina with 5 million barrels of crude by the end of 2005 in exchange for...

Iran nukes: Utmost political risk in 2006.
January 10, 2006... Byline: CLAUDE SALHANI WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- At the risk of escalating the crisis into a major conflagration with the Western powers Iran has removed U.N. seals on its uranium enrichment equipment, announcing it will resume nuclear...

China urged to reform U.S. trade deficit.
January 10, 2006... Byline: DONNA BORAK WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- With strong predictions of China's continued growth and currency exchange controls, U.S. Sen. Max Baucus warned Tuesday that Congress would pass legislation to punish Beijing unless it...

Palestinians to vote in Jerusalem.
January 10, 2006... Byline: JOSHUA BRILLIANT TEL AVIV, Israel, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz intend to let East Jerusalem Arabs vote there in the elections to the Palestinian Legislative Council. ...

Analysis: Merkel wants to be another Blair.
January 11, 2006... Byline: ROLAND FLAMINI WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel doesn't plan to bring up Iraq in her meeting with President George Bush Friday. There are after all no German forces in the U.S.-led coalition, and no...

German Muslims angry over 'racist' test.
January 11, 2006... Byline: STEFAN NICOLA KEHL AM RHEIN, Germany, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- "Do you think a woman should obey her husband and is he allowed to hit her if she doesn't?" Muslim immigrants trying for German citizenship may now face this and 29 other...

Blair threatens Iran with U.N. action.
January 11, 2006... Byline: HANNAH K. STRANGE LONDON, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair called Wednesday for Iran to be referred to the U.N. Security Council over its resumption of nuclear research. Its decision to remove U.N. seals from...

UPI Energy Watch.
January 11, 2006... Byline: ANDREA R. MIHAILESCU WASHINGTON, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- India: Nigerian stake's risk was too high The Indian government said it carefully assessed its decision before deciding to withdraw its bid on a Nigerian stake that resulted in...

Analysis: Israel 'can destroy' Iran nukes.
January 11, 2006... Byline: CLAUDE SALHANI WASHINGTON, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Just a few days before Iran announced it was removing U.N. seals on its uranium enrichment equipment and resuming nuclear research, Israel's Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz...