Category: Blogs

Duncan Pickard on Tunisia’s Transitional Process

By MENASource

Tunisia’s transition to a democratic system has recently faced tremendous obstacles as political players negotiate for power. Commentators express worry that the longer the political impasse between Islamist and secular groups continues, the more likely that Tunisia’s process could be derailed.

NATO Secretary General: ‘Our European Allies Lack Critical Capability’

By Sam Jones, Financial Times

Europe must urgently face up to its responsibilities in defence, or face a security crisis on its borders and international marginalisation, according to Anders Fogh Rasmussen, secretary general of Nato.

The Pemex Door Has Opened

Latin America Center Director Peter Schechter and Deputy Director Jason Marczak wrote a guest blog for the Financial Times to coincide with the newly published briefing on Mexico’s energy reform. Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto capped a year of reform with a final act that far exceeded expectations of the 47-year-old leader’s first year. Energy […]

Ukraine’s Russian Deal: Not Really a Big Victory for Putin

By Adrian Karatnycky

Passions are flaring today – in the streets of Kyiv, and in government buildings across the European Union and in Washington – over yesterday’s announcement of Russian financial support for Ukraine. EU officials are issuing warnings that the deal is shortsighted and  will retard Ukraine’s modernization. Ukrainian opposition politicians and leaders of its mass protest […]

Responses to Ambassador LeBaron’s Assessment of US-Gulf Relations

By MENASource

Recent tensions between the United States and the Arab Gulf states emerged in recent months over the US role in the region. Saudi Arabia in particular has made its displeasure known in its refusal of a seat on the UN Security Council over US policy in Syria. This widespread sentiment in the Gulf points to […]

NATO Chief Hopes for New EU Defense Commitment

By Bryan McManus, AFP

NATO head Anders Fogh Rasmussen hopes EU leaders will commit to new military capabilities and cooperation at this week’s summit

Top News: Egypt sends Morsi, Others, to Trial for International Conspiracy

By EgyptSource

Toppled Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi will stand trial over allegations he collaborated with Hamas, Hezbollah and other organizations to commit terrorist acts in Egypt, judicial sources have told Ahram Online.

Syria: Stopping the Carnage

By Frederic C. Hof

The greatest humanitarian catastrophe of the twenty-first century has unfolded before our eyes in Syria and in the countries surrounding it. As a harsh winter tightens its grip, Syrians in large numbers are dying, starving, fleeing, freezing, and crying out to the world for help.