Category: NATOSource

How a self-sufficient America could go it alone

By Philip Stephens, the Financial Times

From Philip Stephens, the Financial Times:  What is true is that, as Washington’s will is increasingly contested, the US-led international system established after 1945 is cracking.

F-35 Joint Strike Fighter ‘unable to land on aircraft carriers’

By Andrew Hough and Thomas Harding, the Telegraph

From Andrew Hough and Thomas Harding, the Telegraph:  The Royal Navy’s multi-billion pound fighter plane programme is under threat amid claims that its new all-purpose jets cannot land on aircraft carriers, it has emerged.

Polish General: “We are not very happy that the U.S. military involvement in Europe will be smaller”

By Marcus Weisgerber and Vago Muradian, DefenseNews

From Marcus Weisgerber and Vago Muradian, DefenseNews:  Gen. Mieczyslaw Cieniuch last week made his first official visit to the U.S., where he met with a number of U.S. leaders, including Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Defense Minister: Turkey’s new competitors are Germany, France and US

By Hurriyet Daily News

From Hurriyet Daily News:  “Our rivals are no longer the neighboring towns or provinces. The new competitors for the Turkish people are today those in Germany, France and the United States,” [Turkey’s Defense Minister İsmet] Yılmaz said

Norway: NATO Losing Self-Defense Ability

By Dave Majumdar , Defense News

U.S. Likely to Press On With Missile Defense in Poland

By Marcin Sobczyk, the Wall Street Journal

From Marcin Sobczyk, the Wall Street Journal:  The U.S. will likely keep its commitment to place missile interceptors in Poland to counter a military threat from Iran regardless of any opposition from Russia and despite defense cutbacks, a U.S. senator said Thursday.

Barack Obama’s new defence plans neglect Europe at their peril

By the Economist

From the Economist:  Perhaps the least remarked upon part of the new strategy is the seemingly bleak future for American forces in Europe.

Russia says would be threatened by Iran military action

By Reuters

NATO Allies Deny Plans for Syrian No-Fly Zone to Aid Rebels

By Henry Meyer and Ilya Arkhipov, Bloomberg

From Henry Meyer and Ilya Arkhipov, Bloomberg:  NATO and three alliance members said there are no plans for military intervention in Syria after Russia said it has information about preparations for a no-fly zone over the country.

US to Replace 2 Brigades in Europe With Rotating Units

By Jim Garamone, Armed Forces Press Service

From Jim Garamone, Armed Forces Press Service:  In an interview on his way to Fort Bliss, Texas, [Defense Secretary Leon] Panetta said that the Army will withdraw two brigade combat teams from Europe, while retaining a strong presence in the region via rotational units.