Category: Blogs

NATO Chief warns of a weaker and divided Europe, “adrift from the United States”

By NATO

From NATO:  Over the past two years, defence spending by NATO’s European member nations has shrunk by some 45 billion dollars – that is the equivalent of Germany’s entire annual defence budget.

Cyber Security and Freedom: Rules For The Road

By James Joyner

"Cyberspace is changing the way we view and conduct foreign policy as well as transforming our everyday lives," British Foreign Secretary William Hague told the Munich Security Conference today. He offered to host an international conference to establish global norms. Hague noted just how far ranging the cyber arena has become, touching most aspects of […]

Leviathan in the Levant

By Alexandros Petersen

The recent discovery of the Leviathan natural gas field off the coast of Israel, though not a game changer like shale in terms of global gas supplies, promises to have major implications for the country’s energy security and even the energy balance of the region at large, while setting off competition over other finds in […]

Atlantic Update 2/4/11

By Jason Harmala

As the Munich Security Conference and EU summit are underway, uncertainty in Egypt remains a focal point.

International naval forces unable to stop spread of Somali piracy

By the Economist

From the Economist:  According to the International Maritime Bureau, which posts live data on raids, Somali pirates hold 33 vessels and 758 hostages. In January alone the bureau recorded 35 attacks. The raiders took seven ships and 148 new hostages.

Irish newspaper discloses name of alleged Russian spy

By Mary Fitzgerald, the Irish Times

Senators call for NATO missile defense in Georgia

By Josh Rogin, the Cable

From Josh Rogin, the Cable:  Four Republican senators are calling on the Obama administration to place a sensitive missile defense-related radar site in Georgia, rather than in Turkey, as is currently planned. "We believe that the U.S. should deploy the most effective missile defenses possible – in partnership with our allies – that provide for […]

Sovereignty Intact Despite French Defense Pact: UK

By Reuters

Egypt and Israel

By Hugh De Santis

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has expressed concern that the massive demonstrations in Egypt could lead to radical Islamist governments, as happened in Iran following anti-Shah protests in the late 1970s. Many Israelis believe it is just a matter of time before the militant Muslim Brotherhood assumes power. Israeli concern is understandable. Peace with Egypt, […]