Atlantic Council blogs

Gaddafi sending emissaries to NATO meeting

By Reuters

NATO agrees on three principles for Libya action, diplomats say

By DPA

From DPA: Ahead of [Thursday’s Defense Ministers] meeting, diplomats from several NATO countries said that the alliance had set three principles to govern its action: a ‘demonstrable need’ for NATO intervention, a ‘clear legal basis’ and ‘firm regional support.’

NATO military officials briefing governments on range of options in Libya

By Karen DeYoung, the Washington Post

From Karen DeYoung, the Washington Post:  NATO military officials began briefing governments Tuesday night on a range of options that will be presented to defense ministers in Brussels on Thursday. The Obama administration, NATO and other international organizations are united in their belief that any military intervention in Libya would require some international backing. But […]

Germany Tops World Influence Ratings; Iran Last

By Derek Reveron

As a consequence of globalization, many countries increasingly show concern with how they are perceived in the world.  Perception impacts both material benefits like foreign direct investment levels and non-material things like national esteem. To improve perception, countries seek to enhance their appeal or soft power through aid programs, cultural exchanges or hosting international sporting […]

Obama and Cameron agree that NATO will prepare “full spectrum of possible responses” against Libya

By the White House

From the White House:  The President spoke with Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom today [3/8/11] about the situation in Libya.

Atlantic Update 3/9/11

By Jason Harmala

The Irish Republic swears in Enda Kenny as its new leader, and Europe continues to debate over action in Libya.

Washington’s Options on Libya

By the Editors of the New York Times

From the Editors of the New York Times:  The Obama administration is throwing out so many conflicting messages on Libya that they are blunting any potential pressure on the Libyan regime and weakening American credibility.

West Fighting Libya Intervention Calls—For Now

By James Joyner

Pressures on the United States and NATO to intervene in the ongoing crisis in Libya are growing. Thus far, Western leaders are resisting. A week ago, Senator John McCain called for an immediate no-fly zone in an address to the Atlantic Council. At least two of his heavyweight colleagues, Joe Lieberman and John Kerry, have […]

Atlantic Update 3/8/11

By Jason Harmala

The West remains divided on Libya and the possiblity of a no-fly zone, Hungary amends its controversial media law, and delegates from Serbia and Kosovo meet in Brussels for the first time since 2008.

Middle East: Lots of Challenges; One Big Opportunity

By David Smith

Something big is happening in the Middle East—precisely what is yet unclear. Unfolding developments and thoughtful analysis will no doubt tarnish some of the instant western labels affixed to the unrest—democratic wildfire, first Twitter revolution, etc. It may emerge that a major causal factor was food inflation exported from the first world to dead-end Middle Eastern economies.