Category: NATOSource

Intervention Won’t Save Syria

By Gary C. Gambill, National Interest

From Gary C. Gambill, National Interest: Given the scale of regime atrocities in the interim and the increasingly Sunni Islamist character of the revolt, Alawites and other minorities that benefited disproportionately from Assad’s rule (or at least suffered less than their fair share) have well-grounded fears of violent retribution when the walls come crumbling down.

5 Reasons to Intervene in Syria Now

By Michael Doran and Max Boot, New York Times

From Michael Doran and Max Boot, New York Times:  There are five reasons to bring down President Bashar al-Assad sooner rather than later. First, American intervention would diminish Iran’s influence in the Arab world. Iran has showered aid on Syria and even sent advisers from its Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps to assist Mr. Assad. Iran […]

Even if Russia and China drop UN veto, allies doubt Obama will intervene in Syria

By Philip Stephens, Financial Times

From Philip Stephens, Financial Times:  The administration has tried to put foreign policy on hold for the duration of the campaign.

In cyberattacks, hacking humans is highly effective way to access systems

By Robert O’Harrow Jr., Washington Post

From Robert O’Harrow Jr., Washington Post:  The e-mails arrived like poison darts from cyberspace. Some went to the Chertoff Group, a national security consulting firm in Washington. Others targeted intelligence contractors, gas pipeline executives and industrial-control security specialists. Each note came with the personal touches of a friend or colleague. “Attach[ed] is a quote for […]

Cyberwarfare Emerges From Shadows for Public Discussion by U.S. Officials

By Scott Shane, New York Times

From Scott Shane, New York Times:  The chorus of official voices speaking publicly about American cyberattack strategy and capabilities is steadily growing, and some experts say greater openness will allow the United States to stake out legal and ethical rules in the uncharted territory of computer combat.

Best defense against cyberattacks is good offense, says former DHS official

By Taylor Armerding, CSO

From Taylor Armerding, CSO:  To prevail in the cybersecurity war, defense is not enough. That has been the mantra of former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official Stewart Baker for some time. But he will now be taking that message to Congress. Baker, who was first assistant secretary for policy at DHS under President George […]

In France, Hollande’s honeymoon period ends

By Edward Cody, the Washington Post

From Edward Cody, the Washington Post:  After a swell of euphoria over President Francois Hollande’s electoral victory in May and a blissful timeout for summer vacation, France is coming to grips with a harsh reality of high unemployment, tax increases and budget cuts imposed by a flat-lining economy and Europe’s perilous debt crisis.

Czech foreign minister: The West is losing to Putin

By Josh Rogin, the Cable

Belarus to Boost Air Defense with New Russian Warplanes

By RIA Novosti

From RIA Novosti:  Belarus will receive modern Russian-made combat jets to protect the airspace over the borders of the Russia-Belarus Union State, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said. “We discussed many issues related to the Air Force. I asked for assistance and I got it,” Lukashenko told reporters on Friday, commenting on his recent talks with […]

Clinton discussed Syria, Afghanistan, and ‘question of democracy in Europe’ at her farewell Transatlantic Dinner

By Department of State

From Department of State: The Transatlantic Dinner, as you all know, is something we do every year at the General Assembly, meeting of European Union foreign ministers, NATO foreign ministers, as well as Macedonia and Switzerland, plus the NATO Secretary General and the High Representative of the EU.