Category: Blogs

Restructured missile defense system will still defend ‘all NATO European territory in the 2018 timeframe’

By Frank A. Rose, Department of State

From Frank A. Rose, Department of State:  On March 15, Secretary Hagel announced changes to U.S. missile defense policy to strengthen U.S. homeland missile defenses due to the growing ballistic missile threat from Iran and North Korea.

Tilting the Future in America’s Favor

By Damon Wilson

Standing before both houses of Congress, President Obama announced he would launch talks on a comprehensive Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership agreement with the European Union in his State of the Union address in February.

After Donilon visit, Russia says U.S. must do more to address missile defense concerns

By Steve Gutterman, Reuters

From Steve Gutterman, Reuters:  Russian officials said on Thursday the United States had not done enough to address their concerns about an anti-missile shield it is deploying in Europe, indicating U.S. moves to scale down its plans will bring no quick breakthrough.

Chinese Cyber Espionage: US Must Shout but Also Listen

By Jason Healey

After years of silence, the United States has finally had enough of Chinese cyber-theft of trade secrets. American officials have repeatedly raised the issue with their Chinese counterparts in language that is increasingly frank.

Top News: Political Forces Demonstrate Against Judiciary, Others Sit Out

By Egypt Source

 The Muslim Brotherhood, from which President Mohamed Mursi hails, announced on Wednesday that it will join the demonstration. The Salafi Dawah plans to sit out an Islamist-organized protest Friday against judicial corruption, saying it favors practical solutions instead. The liberal opposition Dostour Party also rejected calls for protests Friday outside the prosecutor general’s office, warning participants against “dragging […]

How to End the War in Syria

By Rajan Menon

There have been persistent rumors that Jabhat al-Nusra, among the most effective militias fighting Syrian president Bashar al-Assad’s regime, is linked to Al Qaeda. That connection has now been confirmed. The head of al-Nusra’s Syrian branch, Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, has declared his organization’s “allegiance” to Ayman al-Zawahiri, Al Qaeda’s leader.

The Innovative Opposition of Egypt’s Youth

By Fady Salah

The Egyptian social sphere witnessed many changes since the eruption of the 25 January revolution. The daily protests that Egypt has become accustomed to were not a frequent scene under Mubarak’s regime.  In fact, in March alone Egypt had the highest rate of protest worldwide. Alongside the traditional understanding of resistance, Egypt’s youth innovated new […]

Bahrain and NATO agree to strengthen cooperation

By Bahrain News Agency