Atlantic Council blogs

PM says Canada to remain in Afghanistan

By Rob Gillies, the AP

From Rob Gillies, the AP:  Canada’s prime minister said Thursday he’s decided with some reluctance to keep troops in Afghanistan in a noncombat training role after Canada’s combat mission ends in 2011. A senior government official told The Associated Press earlier this week that Canada’s government will keep 750 military trainers and 250 support staff […]

Russia warming to NATO missile defense plan: U.S.

By Reuters

From Reuters:  Philip Gordon, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, said that Russia was showing willingness to work with NATO on the system, aimed at countering ballistic threats from the Middle East, in particular Iran. [L]ast week Russia pledged to boost cooperation with NATO in Afghanistan and consider a joint missile defense […]

The Peril That NATO Can’t Ignore

By Judy Dempsey, the New York Times

From Judy Dempsey, the New York Times:  When NATO leaders meet next week in Lisbon, one topic is unlikely to be discussed: how to make the most of the dwindling funds available for defense spending. The NATO secretary general, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, will present his new strategic concept for the 28-member U.S.-led military alliance. Much […]

Greece concerned about Turkey’s future in NATO

By Ben Birnbaum, the Washington Times

From Ben Birnbaum, the Washington Times:  Turkey’s growing ties to Iran and opposition to NATO missile defenses targeting Tehran are raising "many doubts about Turkey’s future" among officials in the alliance, Greece’s No. 2 defense official says.

Remember, Remember November 11

By Harlan Ullman

Thursday marks the anniversary of the end of World War I. Originally Called Armistice Day, it’s now Veteran’s Day in the United States. In Britain the end of the Great War is Remembrance Day celebrated with the wearing of red crepe paper poppies inspired by Canadian John McCrae’s solemn poem of that war “Flanders Field” […]

Guess Hu’s in Europe?

By Jeffrey Lightfoot

Chinese President Hu Jintao opted not to sit idly in Beijing and watch President Obama circle the Middle Kingdom in his ‘post-shellacking’ tour of Asia. Hu showed that two could enhance the influence of their countries far from home. While both leaders are strengthening long-term ties through their visits, the victor of the flurry of […]

US-China Game Not Zero Sum

By Patrick deGategno

The media in China, Europe, and the U.S. would have their audiences believe America’s increased engagement of Asia and China’s expanding relations with Europe constitute a fearsome, new Great Game. American and European analysts allege that China is out to eat the West’s lunch, and the Transatlantic Community must do something to stop it. Chinese […]

Did Britain and France Make the Wrong Deal?

By the Editors of the New York Times