Newsline 8 February 2010: Iran backtracks again on its nuclear plans; NATO gears up for its largest offensive to date in Afghanistan; and Jesse Jackson has advice for the Dutch on achieving racial harmony.

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Iran stokes nuclear fears again
Fears that Iran is planning to develop nuclear weapons grew today, when it announced it wants to enrich uranium to 20 percent. The decision comes just a week after Tehran agreed to send uranium abroad for treatment, and has been greeted with anger from the international community. Mike Fitzgerald of the International Institute for Strategic Studies told Newsline's Marijke Peters why 20 percent is a significant figure.

Listen to the interview with Mike Fitzgerald

Massive offensive launches in Afghanistan
Thousands of US and Nato troops will join their Afghan colleagues today in the largest offensive in Afghanistan to date. Operation Mushtarak - or Together - aims to clear insurgents from their stronghold in the southern part of the country. Radio Netherlands Worldwide's Security and Defense Specialist Hans de Vreij laid out the new strategy to Newsline's Davion Ford.

Listen to the interview with Hans de Vreij

Jesse Jackson: desegregate Dutch schools
American civil rights activist Jesse Jackson was in The Netherlands last week to give the annual Martin Luther King Jr. talk, organised by the Free University in Amsterdam to encourage dialogue on multiculturalism. When Rev. King was assassinated in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, Jesse Jackson was standing at his side. Speaking to Radio Netherlands' Political Editor John Tyler, he offered some advice on the Netherlands' integration problems.

Listen to the interview with Jesse Jackson
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