Category: Blogs

The Strategic Imperative of TTIP

By Jiří Šedivý, Project Syndicate

As negotiations between the European Union and the United States over the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) move toward a final agreement, opponents of the proposed pact are becoming more vocal.

Top News: US Raid in Syria Killed Thirty-Two ISIS Militants, Including Four Leaders

By MENASource

A US special forces raid in eastern Syria killed thirty-two members of the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL), including four leaders, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Sunday.

EconSource: Oil Prices Rise on Iraq, Yemen Fighting

By EconSource

Oil prices rose slightly in trading on supply concerns in the Middle East following fighting in Iraq and Yemen. There are concerns that the conflict in Iraq and Saudi attacks on Yemen could disrupt production or supply routes.

Syria: The Imperative of Protecting Civilians

By Frederic C. Hof

That which is painfully clear amid the complexity of Syria’s horrific conflict is the operational absence of the Obama administration in protecting Syrian civilians.

A United Kingdom Outside the EU is Just Not as Special to the United States

By Ashish Kumar Sen, New Atlanticist

The United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union would have negative consequences for its “special relationship” with the United States, says the Atlantic Council’s Frances G. Burwell.

Turkish Leaders Make Bold Statements at NATO Meeting

By Jorge Benitez

NATO foreign ministers concluded their meeting in Antalya, Turkey on May 14. This gathering was the first time since Berlin in 2011 that NATO foreign ministers met in a city other than Brussels.

Romania Helping Ukraine Fight Russian Cyber Espionage

By Alison Mutler, AP

Ukraine says Russia’s Federal Security Service is coordinating attacks on government offices as part of a proxy war against Ukraine’s government, amid real fighting between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian rebels in the east. Ukrainian security operatives say that, with Romania’s help, they have foiled attempts to spread malicious software

Top News: Obama Pledges More Military Aid to Reassure Gulf Allies on Iran Deal

By MENASource

A renewed joint commitment to build the regional defense system was one of the few firm outcomes of Thursday’s Camp David summit between President Barack Obama and Gulf allies seeking fresh US defense pledges ahead of a possible nuclear deal they fear will empower Iran.

Turkish Leaders Make Bold Statements at NATO Meeting

By Jorge Benitez

NATO foreign ministers concluded their meeting in Antalya, Turkey on May 14. This gathering was the first time since Berlin in 2011 that NATO foreign ministers met in a city other than Brussels.

What did Obama’s Summit with Gulf Partners Achieve?

Officials of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), wrapping up a May 14 summit at Camp David, endorsed US President Barack Obama’s proposed nuclear deal with Iran saying a “comprehensive, verifiable” accord is in their security interests. But in reality, the much-publicized gathering turned out to be “much ado about very little”—and Gulf states are […]