Category: Blogs

Italy to try to seek date for end of Libya mission

By Frances D'Emilio, the AP

From Frances D’Emilio, the AP:  Italy pledged on Tuesday to seek an end date for NATO’s Libya operations as Premier Silvio Berlusconi sought to placate a key government partner opposed to Italian participation in the bombing missions. Foreign Minister Franco Frattini told reporters that Rome "will try, along with international organizations, and until, until I’m […]

Ronald D. Asmus, Official Who Favored Expanded NATO, Dies at 53

By Binyamin Applebaum, the New York Times

From Binyamin Applebaum, the New York Times:  Ronald D. Asmus, an early proponent of expanding the Atlantic alliance to include Eastern European nations and a key figure in the Clinton administration’s realization of that vision, died Saturday in Belgium.

Biden: Congress Knew of Bin Laden Mission for Months, No Leaks

By James Joyner

In his first public remarks since the announcement of Osama bin Laden’s death, Vice President Joe Biden divulged that “as many as 16 members of Congress that were briefed on it, not a single solitary thing leaked.”

2011 Awards Dinner Highlights

By James Joyner

The 2011 Atlantic Council Annual Awards Dinner launched the Council’s 50th anniversary celebration in style, providing an evening of transatlantic luminaries, thoughtful conversation, and world class music—and some exciting news about the Council’s future.

Atlantic Update 5/4/11

By Klee Aiken

The European Union becomes "almost" a full member of the United Nations, gaining the rights to speak on the floor of the General Assembly, submit amendments, and make proposals. Portugal receives its bail out and Europe’s reaction to the death of Osama bin Laden is analyzed.

Vive the refreshed Anglo-French alliance

By Zaki Laidi, the Financial Times

From Zaki Laidi, the Financial Times:  The Libyan crisis marks the beginning of a new cycle for the two countries because the American factor is no longer a source of divergence.

Update: NATO activities in Libya on May 2

By NATO

Russia charges US spy ring “traitor” Poteyev

By the BBC

From the BBC:  A former top Russian spy has been charged in Moscow over the exposure of 10 sleeper agents in the United States. The man, identified as Alexander Poteyev, will be tried in his absence with high treason and desertion, Russia’s secret service, the FSB, said. . . . Mr Poteyev was apparently exposed […]

Canada’s Conservative Party wins election with large majority

By Lee Carter, the BBC

From Lee Carter, the BBC:  Canada’s Conservative party has emerged victorious in the country’s general election, a vote that has also resulted in a huge shake-up for the opposition. In this new topsy-turvy world, the previously third-placed party, the New Democratic Party (NDP), has become the official opposition and the once mighty Liberal Party has […]