Category: Blogs

Sweden Moves Closer to NATO

By Justyna Gotkowska, Center for Eastern Studies

From Justyna Gotkowska, Center for Eastern Studies:  Sweden sees the problem with ensuring its Armed Forces‘ interoperability with NATO troops since the intensive co-operation on foreign missions in Afghanistan, Kosovo and Libya has been drawing to an end.

Turkey’s Parliament Moves Quickly to Curb Army’s Political Power

By Sebnem Arsu, New York Times

From Sebnem Arsu, New York Times:  The Turkish Parliament on Saturday amended an army regulation that had paved the way for military intervention in politics — another step in years of attempts by the pro-Islamic government to rein in the power of an army once prone to staging coups.

Israel Airstrike Targeted Advanced Missiles That Russia Sold to Syria, U.S. Says

By Michael R. Gordon, New York Times

From Michael R. Gordon, New York Times:  Israel carried out an air attack in Syria this month that targeted advanced antiship cruise missiles sold to the Syria government by Russia, American officials said Saturday.

Colombia-NATO Partnership Good for Latin America

By Jorge Benitez: Colombia’s Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon visited Europe in June and signed a cooperation agreement with NATO. This important agreement authorized the exchange of intelligence information between Bogota and Brussels.

Jordan: Containing Dissent

By Wael Al-Khatib

Observers have described Jordan as an oasis of calmness and stability in the stormy uprisings of the Arab world during 2011; but regular weekly demonstrations across the country suggest it is not the stable sanctuary that King Abdullah hoped it to be.

Top News: Pakistan Taliban Set Up Camps in Syria, Join Anti-Assad War

The Pakistani Taliban have set up camps and sent hundreds of men to Syria to fight alongside rebels opposed to President Bashar al-Assad, militants said on Sunday, in a strategy aimed at cementing ties with al-Qaeda’s central leadership.