Category: NATOSource

Is the new Anglo-French Treaty the beginning of a European Defense System?

By Jose Ignacio Torreblanca, the European Council on Foreign Relations

From Jose Ignacio Torreblanca, the European Council on Foreign Relations:  At first sight, the agreement is a step backward in the establishment of a common European defence force.

Ukrainian ship joins NATO’s counter-terrorism operation in eastern Mediterranean

By NATO

From NATO:  This week, Ukraine sent a warship to the Mediterranean to assist NATO’s Operation Active Endeavour, which aims to detect and deter terrorist activity in the region.

The Future of NATO: Fewer dragons, more snakes

By the Economist

From the Economist:  Next week’s NATO summit in Lisbon is likely to be one of the most crucial in the 61-year history of the military alliance.

Russia-NATO cooperation in Afghanistan brings hidden costs

By James Kirchick, Foreign Policy

Top Russian spy defects after betraying ring in U.S.

By Thomas Grove, Reuters

From Thomas Grove, Reuters:  The head of Russia’s deep cover U.S. spying operations has betrayed the network and defected, a Russian paper said on Thursday

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.

Did Britain and France Make the Wrong Deal?

By the Editors of the New York Times