Category: Blogs

The rival presidents of the European Union are vying for influence

By Charlemagne, the Economist

From Charlemagne, the Economist:  Last year’s Lisbon treaty, promoted as a means of making the EU more efficient, has in fact made this divide permanent by creating a second figurehead for Europe.

How the Obama team convinced Russia not to sell arms to Iran

By Josh Rogin, the Cable

British Cuts to Military Concern U.S. Officials

By Michael Gordon and John Burns, the New York Times

From Michael Gordon and John Burns, the New York Times:  Plans by the British government to make significant cuts in defense spending have spurred concerns among American military experts about Britain’s ability to carry out its role as the United States’ most dependable ally.

Czechs to send more troops to Afghanistan

By the AP

From the AP:  The Czech Defense Ministry says it’s planning to increase the number of troops in Afghanistan by 200 next year. Spokesman Jiri Grund says the ministry wants to deploy to Afghanistan some of the 400 troops it will withdraw from Kosovo later this year. The 200 would join as many as 535 Czech […]

Petraeus briefs NATO on Afghan transition strategy

By Phil Stewart and David Alexander, Reuters

From Phil Stewart and David Alexander, Reuters:  General David Petraeus said on Wednesday he has completed a draft plan to start thinning NATO forces in parts of Afghanistan next year, but cautioned that the transition process would be slow. Petraeus, the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan, told the Reuters Washington Summit that he […]

Abkhazian vice president injured in attack

By RIA Novosti

From RIA Novosti:  Abkhazian vice president Alexander Ankvab was injured when his house came under grenade launcher attack early on Thursday, Abkhazian first deputy interior minister Ramin Gablaya told RIA Novosti. Ankvab received fragmentation injuries to his arm and leg, Gablaya said without giving any further details. … This is the fourth assassination attempt on […]

German Foreign Minister on Turkey and German troops abroad

By the Wall Street Journal

Turkey says Germany and France threatened by EU bid

By Reuters

Europe faces higher threat from al Qaeda

By Eli Lake, the Washington Times

From Eli Lake, the Washington Times:  Al Qaeda and its allies are taking aim at Europe, according to U.S. and Western intelligence officials, who say there are indications a terrorist plot is in the offing. "Despite the significant counterterrorism pressure abroad, al Qaeda continues to be committed to high-profile attacks directed at the West, including […]