THE DANGER – AT 9:52 A.M. ET:  We are focused on Japan, and on Libya, and on our own budget mess.  But things are happening in the world that can have devastating consequences down the line.  They happen quietly, unless detected, but I'm afraid we're asleep.  From AFP:

UNITED NATIONS — South Korea and Singapore have intercepted suspected nuclear and weapons materials bound for Iran that breach UN sanctions imposed on the Islamic republic, diplomats said on Thursday.

The two seizures, made in the past six months but only revealed now, add to a growing list of alleged Iranian attempts to breach an international arms embargo, which are bringing mounting pressure to tighten sanctions, they said.

"South Korea authorities found more than 400 suspicious tubes in a jet cargo at Seoul airport in December," one diplomat told AFP, giving details from a report to the UN Iran sanctions committee.

The tubes could be used for nuclear facilities, the diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the seizures have not been made public.

"In September, aluminium powder that can be used for rockets was found on a ship in Singapore harbor," the diplomat added.

In each case the product was destined for Iran.

The details were confirmed by a second envoy at the UN who said the sanctions committee would study them when it discusses the latest report from Iran experts monitoring the sanctions regime.

COMMENT:  Please note that there is nothing here indicating the country of origin of the suspicious cargo.  We like to think that only North Korea and a few rogue states, possibly including China, are making clandestine shipments to Iran.  But we've recently learned that some French companies are involved, and I would hardly be surprised if German companies, very eager to do business with Iran, are also implicated. 

The only thing that will stop this rush to nuclear madness is regime change in Iran.  But, when given a chance to support democracy protesters, the Obama faculty lounge responded with its usual "ho-hum, we'll think about it."  When Iran goes nuclear, we'll have plenty to think about.

March 17, 2011