Category: NATOSource

Looted arms from Libya may have turned the tide in Mali conflict

By C.J. Chivers, New York Times

From C.J. Chivers, New York Times:  Since the war that toppled Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi began in 2011, arms-tracking analysts have warned that weapons looted from the colonel’s stockpiles could find their way to militants in sub-Saharan Africa.

NATO Combined Air Operations Center activated in Spain

By Allied Command Operations

From Allied Command Operations:  In the presence of Spanish Minister of Defence, D. Pedro Morenés Eulate, and the Spanish Chief of Defence, General Admiral Fernando García Sánchez, NATO’s Combined Air Operations Centre Torrejón (CAOC TJ), Spain, was activated during a ceremony at its new premises north east of the Spanish Capital of Madrid

China underbids Raytheon proposal for Turkey’s new missile defense system

By Hurriyet Daily News

How is the Obama administration using social media to disarm Syria’s chemical arsenal?

By Eli Lake, Daily Beast

From Eli Lake, Daily Beast:  If you are a Syrian military officer in charge of some nasty chemical weapons, you’ve probably been friended or Skyped by the U.S. government. The message is simple: think twice before using or selling that mustard gas you are guarding.

U.S. Navy: Sequestration will limit missile defense deployments to Europe

By Brock Vergakis, AP

From Brock Vergakis, AP:  The USS Barry left its home port on Thursday to load weapons for its journey to Europe as part of a NATO defense plan to provide a ballistic-missile shield for U.S. allies.

Bipartisan Senate bill expedites energy exports for NATO allies, Japan, and others

By Office of Senator John Barrasso

From Office of Senator John Barrasso: U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the “Expedited LNG for American Allies Act of 2013 (S.192).

Georgia requests Germany’s assistance integrating into NATO

By Trend News Agency

From Trend News Agency:  Georgian Foreign Minister Maya Panjikidze held a meeting with German Deputy Minister of Defence Christian Schmidt on Monday.

Rasmussen: Bosnia ‘would profit from being a member of NATO,’ but first needs to implement reforms

By Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO

From Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO:  Mr. President, it is indeed a great pleasure to be back in Sarajevo today. Your country is an important partner for NATO. We thank you for the contribution to our mission in Afghanistan.

Turkey Hints at a Breakup With Europe

By Harvey Morris, International Herald Tribune

From Harvey Morris, International Herald Tribune:  A half century after taking the first steps toward becoming an integral part of Europe, Turkey may be ready to give up.

Czech government approves sending troops to EU mission in Mali

By AP

From AP:  The Czech government has approved the deployment of up to 50 troops in Mali as part of a planned EU military training mission.