Category: NATOSource

Ukraine ‘ready’ to join NATO missile defense project if Russia is also included

By RIA Novosti

From RIA Novosti:  Ukraine is ready to contribute to the creation of the European missile shield if the program is developed in cooperation with Russia, Ukrainian envoy to NATO Igor Dolgov said on Thursday.

Lockheed’s THAAD missile defense system passes test under “operational” conditions

By Jim Wolf, Reuters

 From Jim Wolf, Reuters:  A multibillion-dollar missile defense system built by Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) successfully completed its most challenging test so far, downing two short-range targets in quick succession, the company said on Wednesday.

NATO’s Future Role in the Abkhazia Dispute

By Simon A. Miles, the Atlantic Council of Canada

From Simon A. Miles, the Atlantic Council of Canada:  [T]he time has come for a new policy of engagement vis-à-vis the conflict in Abkhazia.

Update: NATO activities in Libya on October 6

By NATO

Panetta reveals consensus conditions for ending NATO’s Libya Op

By Howard LaFranchi, the Christian Science Monitor

From Howard LaFranchi, the Christian Science Monitor:  The word from NATO defense ministers Thursday that the Alliance is not ready end its Libyacampaign reflects a two-fold objective

French Defense Minister outlines criteria for ending NATO’s air campaign in Libya

By David Brunnstrom, Reuters

From David Brunnstrom, Reuters:  French Defense Minister Gerard Longuet, whose country has been one of the leaders of the air mission, said it would continue as long Gaddafi’s forces put up resistance in their remaining holdouts and until there was "normal functioning of the state".

NATO’s Troubled Future

By Walter Russell Mead, Via Meadia

From Walter Russell Mead, Via Meadia:  Robert Gates’s remarks last summer that NATO faces “a dim if not dismal future” unless European nations pick up the slack and coordinate on defense spending still reflects core US thinking about the future of the alliance.

NATO divided on end to Libya air war

By David S. Cloud and Patrick J. McDonnell, the Los Angeles Times

From David S. Cloud and Patrick J. McDonnell, the Los Angeles Times:  Members of the NATO military alliance parted company Wednesday over how quickly to halt the six-month bombing campaign in Libya, and the dangers of doing so if fighters loyal to Moammar Kadafi, the country’s deposed strongman, are still engaged in armed resistance.

62 years ago today, Truman signs the Mutual Defense Assistance Act for “free nations which intend to remain free”

By Harry S. Truman, the American Presidency Project

From Harry S. Truman, the American Presidency Project:  I have just signed the Mutual Defense Assistance Act of 1949. This is a notable contribution to the collective security of the free nations of the world.

Update: NATO activities in Libya on October 5

By NATO