Nuclear Iran Unlikely to Tilt Regional Power Balance – Report Jim Lobe, Joe Hitchon WASHINGTON, 18 May (IPS) - A nuclear-armed Iran would not pose a fundamental threat to the United States and its regional allies like Israel and the Gulf Arab monarchies, according to a new report released here Friday by the Rand Corporation. more...   U.S.-Russia Nuclear Arsenals Cling to Bygone Era George Gao UNITED NATIONS, 17 May (IPS) - In the late 19th century, Russian playwright Anton Chekhov famously touted one golden rule for dramatic productions: if you show your audience a loaded gun in the first act, that gun must go off by the last. more...   Pressure Mounting on U.S. over Congo Violence Joe Hitchon WASHINGTON, 17 May (IPS) - With casualties in the long-running conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) now surpassing every conflict since World War II, U.S. policymakers and advocates are stepping up campaigns to raise awareness and push legislation aimed at encouraging new negotiations, assisting in government reforms, and pressuring the neighbouring countries that have propped up the DRC’s government. more...   Kyrgyz Officials Outline Restructuring Plan for Lucrative Gold Mine David Trilling BISHKEK, 16 May (IPS) - As officials in Kyrgyzstan prepare to negotiate with their country’s largest investor in Bishkek this week, new details are emerging about how the Kyrgyz government wants to restructure the agreement covering operations at the country’s flagship gold mine. more...   Climate Change Is Happening… So What? Silvia Romanelli NEW YORK, 16 May (IPS) - Seven in 10 U.S. citizens believe climate change is real and happening now. Yet most have never even contacted a government official about the issue, let alone volunteered with an environmental organisation or taken other action. more...   U.S. Retailers Holding Out on Bangladesh Safety Agreement Katelyn Fossett WASHINGTON, 15 May (IPS) - Labour groups here are stepping up pressure on U.S. firms to sign a binding building safety agreement for Bangladeshi factories after 10 major European garment companies signed onto the landmark agreement. more...   Q&A "To Propel Change, You Have to Be in Their Faces" Sudeshna Chowdhury UNITED NATIONS, 15 May (IPS) - Eighteen days ago, Diane Wilson, a 65-year-old fisherwoman from Texas, decided to go on a hunger strike. more...   U.S. Gov't Accused of “Corporate Diplomacy” for Biotech Industry Carey L. Biron WASHINGTON, 14 May (IPS) - A consumer protection group here is accusing U.S. diplomats of engaging in a concerted and at times forceful advocacy campaign on behalf of genetically modified seeds and even specific biotechnology companies, particularly aiming to influence governments in developing countries. more...   U.S. Relationship with Pakistani Military Must “Broaden” Carey L. Biron WASHINGTON, 14 May (IPS) - With this weekend’s national election in Pakistan seeing historic high turnout resulting in an overwhelming vote for a single party, foreign policy observers here are suggesting that the United States will need to finally redefine its longstanding relationship with the Pakistan Army. more...   Nuclear Iran Can Be Contained and Deterred Report Jim Lobe WASHINGTON, 14 May (IPS) - While preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is preferable, the United States could successfully contain a nuclear Iran, according to a new report released here Monday by the Center for a New American Security, an influential think tank close to the administration of President Barack Obama. more...