World Press on Iran, Turkey and Caucasus (September 2, 2011)

The media today are reporting on Turkey’s decision to host early
warning radar as part of Nato’s missile defense system directed at
countering ballistic missile threats from neighboring Iran. An article
published by the Guardian entitled “Turkey agrees to host missile
early warning radar for Nato” reports that the statement released by
the Turkish foreign minister does not mention when and where the US
early warning radar would be stationed. Nato members agreed to place
the radar system last year at a summit in Lisbon. Turkey was for a
long time reluctant to participate in the project, since its partner
Iran was regarded as the main target of the program. The Guardian
suggests that one of the reasons for Turkey agreeing to place Nato’s
missile defense system is the difference in the current approaches of
Turkey and Iran to the unrest in Syria.

Reuters releases an article “Exclusive: China curbs Iran energy work”.
The article reports on the slowing of Chinese oil and gas investments
in Iran. Reuters suggests that China has put the brakes on investments
as part of its efforts to ease tension with the Obama administration
and cut the risk of Chinese oil firms being hit by US sanctions, which
Congress has backed. President Barack Obama and key officials of his
administration have pressed China to help interrupt Iran’s energy
activities and Vice President Joe Biden raised the issue during his
recent visit to China, Reuters reports.

The Guardian publishes an article on the football which took place
between England and Azerbaijan in the framework of the fourth
successive European Under-21 Championships. The Guardian reports that
the English team “disposed of Azerbaijan with ease” but did not show
any “great influx of ingenuity.” However, England managed to defeat
the Azerbaijani team 6-0.

Associated Press publishes an article “6 cities lodge bids for 2020
Olympics.” By Friday’s deadline to host 2020 Olympics the
International Olympic Committee has received bids from Rome, Madrid,
Tokyo, Istanbul, Doha, Qatar and Baku. Madrid is bidding for the first
time, while Tokyo, Doha and Baku are making their second successive
attempts, with Istanbul running for its fifth overall bid, Associated
Press reports.