Monday's global agenda: Obama in Asia

Your morning global affairs speed-read

President Obama is headed to Cambodia after a six-hour visit to Burma where he vowed to support the country's transition to democracy. The president also announced the the return of the United States Agency for International Development along with $170 million for projects over the next two years. [The New York Times] 

In Cambodia, the president is expected to meet with outgoing Prime Minister Wen Jiabao of China and Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda of Japan, as well as leaders of the countries in the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade bloc. The United States faces intensifying competition from China for influence over the impoverished southeast Asian country. [The Wall Street Journal] 

Israel-Palestine: Egypt's prime minister said on Monday that an agreement brokered by Cairo to stop the fighting between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza could be close. [Reuters]

In other news: 

NATO would move urgently to consider any request from Turkey to place Patriot anti-missile batteries along its border with Syria, its secretary-general said Monday. [The Wall Street Journal]

Iran is ready for new talks with global powers on its nuclear program but the United States and others need to be more constructive, Tehran's ambassador to Russia said on Monday. [Reuters]

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger tells The Wall Street Journal that “arming some of the rebels” in Syria “is desirable.”

What you might have missed on Global Affairs:

Clinton critic, Biden staffer among rumored replacements for Susan Rice

House Republicans blame Obama for terror suspect's release in Iraq

Rep. Sherman abandons bid for foreign affairs leadership post amid backlash

Do you have an event or upcoming report you'd like to share? Any comments / complaints / suggestions?

Please contact me at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / 202-628-8527

Follow me on Twitter @JPecquetTheHill

---