Here is your R&D for December 24th:
Who Are The Anarchists Behind the Rome Embassy Bombs? from Time
Italian anarchists claimed responsibility for two letter bombings yesterday in Rome. The Chilean and Swiss embassies experienced the attacks.
Assessing Obama’s Foreign Policy at Midterm from the Council on Foreign Relations
In this interview, James M. Lindsay, Senior Vice President of the Council on Foreign Relations assesses President Obama’s foreign policy two years into his administration. Issues that are discussed include Afghanistan, China, Russia, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Russian parliament tentatively approves arms pact from the Associated Press
Although the U.S. Senate has ratified the new START accord with Russia, the Russian Duma has delayed a final vote on the treaty until next month. The first reading of the accord passed 350-58.
Oil Consumers Wary as Some OPEC Members Target $100 Before Cairo Meeting from Bloomberg
Ahead of OPEC’s next meeting in Cairo, some OPEC members are eyeing a $100/barrel price for oil. Saudi Arabia holds that $70 to $80 is a good price, but experts say $100 is on its way because of increasing global demand.
Americans See U.S. as Exceptional; 37% Doubt Obama Does from Gallup
According to this Gallup poll, a majority of Americans hold that America is an exceptional country, but over one-third of those surveyed do not believe that President Obama shares this view.