Category: Blogs

US Moving 200 Marines to Sicily for Libya: Italy

By AFP

From AFP:  Italy on Wednesday said the United States was transferring 200 marines and two planes to its base at Sigonella in Sicily to deploy in Libya in case US diplomats come under attack as they did last year.

The Politics of Tunisia’s Final Draft Constitution

By Duncan Pickard

Tunisia’s constitution-drafting process has reached another milestone: the committee coordinating the drafting of the country’s post-authoritarian constitution presented its third and final draft to the National Constituent Assembly on April 22. The draft strikes important compromises that political parties made on the most vexing issues of the process, including the balance of executive powers, the […]

Russia Expels US Diplomat Accused of Spying

By Paul Sonne and Gregory L. White, Wall Street Journal

French Defense Minister: Groups from Mali Seeking ‘New Terrorist Hotbed’ in Libya

By Jamey Keaten, AP

From Jamey Keaten, AP:  Terror groups ousted from Mali appear to be trying to set up a new haven in Libya, France’s defense minister said Monday, vowing to discuss ways of helping Tripoli improve its shaky security with U.S. officials later this week.

Hollande’s Survival Mode Endangers Survival

By Nicholas Dungan

From his 75 percent income tax to his 25 percent approval ratings, François Hollande, the French president who took office one year ago, has already been judged the hapless Louis XVI on the eve of the French Revolution or the feckless René Coty who presided over the demise of the Fourth Republic. But what has […]

Surge of Cyberattacks from the Middle East Against US Corporations

By David E. Sanger and Nicole Perlroth, New York Times

From David E. Sanger and Nicole Perlroth, New York Times:  A new wave of cyberattacks is striking American corporations, prompting warnings from federal officials, including a vague one issued last week by the Department of Homeland Security.

Germany Cancels ‘Euro Hawk’ Drone Program

By AFP

From AFP:  Germany has cancelled a planned ‘Euro Hawk’ drone programme fearing European authorities will not certify them, a defence ministry source said Tuesday after reported European safety concerns.

Turkey Blames Group with Ties to Syrian Intelligence for Recent Bomb Attacks

By Jonathon Burch, Reuters

From Jonathon Burch, Reuters:  Turkey accused a group with links to Syrian intelligence of carrying out car bombings that killed 46 people in a Turkish border town, and said on Sunday it was time for the world to act against the government of President Bashar al-Assad.

Top News: White House Official Pledges US Support, Administration Criticizes Action Against Youth Leader

By Egypt Source

In a visit to Cairo, Special Assistant to the President and White House Coordinator for the Middle East Philip Gordon reaffirmed the importance of bilateral relations and US support for Egypt’s transition to democracy.  The Obama administration, however, is also blasting Egyptian authorities for detaining a prominent youth movement leader, Ahmed Maher, on possible charges […]