Category: Blogs

Is it time to scrap the concept of “Eastern Europe?”

The Economist argues that lumping the former communist countries into a single category is "outdated and damaging." (photo: prague.fm)

U.S. defense companies prepare for decade-long downturn

By Andrea Shalal-Esa, Reuters

Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood: Between a Present with Qatar and a Future with Libya

By Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi

The results of the Libyan elections have come through. Contrary to the tide that saw a rise of Islamist parties across the region, the Islamists in Libya failed to garner a majority. Instead a secular party started by Mahmoud Jibril, a senior official in the Gaddafi government who joined the rebels early in the 2011 […]

Top News: Thousands in Tahrir Protest Against HCC Ruling Rejecting Morsi’s Decree

By Tarek Radwan

Sheikh Mazhar Shaheen, the "revolutionary" imam  of Omar Makram mosque, has called on the judiciary not to "abort the revolution" by defying President Mohamed Morsi during his Friday prayer speech to thousands of protesters gathered on Tahrir Square in support of Morsi’s 8 July decree reinstating parliament. The "Friday of Endurance" demonstration was called for […]

Libya Is Still Fighting for Democracy

By Karim Mezran, the Atlantic

From Karim Mezran, the Atlantic:  Nine months after the death of Muammar Qaddafi, Libyans went to vote for the first time since 1965, a major step towards a more pluralistic Libya.

US Presidential Campaign Drive Overshadows Larger Issues

By Harlan Ullman

Politics in the United States have deteriorated to the point that winning elections has transcended the need for providing effective government. Perpetual campaigning, matched by a perpetual Easter egg hunt for money, has become the default setting for politicians elected to both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. This year’s presidential election is further evidence of this […]

Is the Franco-British strategic defense relationship in danger?

By Julian Lindley-French, the New Atlanticist

From Julian Lindley-French, the New Atlanticist:  The Franco-British strategic defense relationship matters.

The American Pivot Hinges on Europe

By Sven Biscop

Inadvertently or not, the United States is now demanding European strategic autonomy, at least regionally, for its “pivot” to the Asia-Pacific is partially dependent on Europe’s ability to take care of its own business. Henceforth peace and stability in Europe’s neighborhood is first and foremost Europe’s responsibility.

Belarus KGB says Lithuanian spies arrested

By Aliaksandr Kudrytski and Milda Seputyte, Bloomberg Businessweek

From Aliaksandr Kudrytski and Milda Seputyte, Bloomberg Businessweek:  Belarus’s security agency, or KGB, said it broke up a Lithuanian spy ring that sought classified information on the country’s military and its joint security system with Russia.

Video: Swedish plane bombs Belarus with teddy bears

By Volha Charnysh, Belarus Digest

From Volha Charnysh, Belarus Digest:  On 4 July, Swedish amateur pilots penetrated Belarus’ airspace