Category: Blogs

Federalism for Afghanistan: Success Won’t Be Found in Kabul

By Derek Reveron

Even though we are about two months away from “surge force levels” in Afghanistan and five months away from the planned strategy review, a number of commentators have used the Stanley McChrystal – David Petraeus transition as an opportunity to reconsider the mission’s success. Unfortunately, military operations like those in Afghanistan defy the use of […]

Kabul conference communique confirms 2014 as key deadline

By the New York Times

From the New York Times:  The draft communiqué, which will be signed later Tuesday and was obtained by The New York Times, sets 2014 as the date when Afghanistan’s security forces will be in the lead in military operations throughout the country. The document sets the end of 2010 as the date for a more […]

Turkey’s PM argues new referendum more legitimate than 1982 Constitution

By the Hürriyet Daily News

Allies privately differ on defining July date and withdrawal plans

By  Alissa J. Rubin, Richard A. Oppel, Jr. and Mark Landler, the New York Times

From Alissa J. Rubin, Richard A. Oppel, Jr. and Mark Landler, the New York Times:  The United States, European and other foreign leaders met here Tuesday to pledge anew their support for Afghanistan as they committed to complete transition of security and budgeting responsibility to the Afghan government by 2014. They acknowledged that neither the public in their […]

Defense Minister concerned by deployment of Russian missile near Estonian border

By Baltic Reports

From Baltic Reports:  The Estonian minister of defense strongly criticized Russia on Tuesday for deploying Iskander missiles in its Leningrad Military District, a move the Russians announced over the weekend. The Russian missile deployment is seen as a quid pro quo for the U.S. installation of a temporary Patriot missile base in Morag, Poland in […]

NATO Chief: ‘transition will be based on conditions, not calendars’

By Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO

From Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO:  This is not a mission of choice – it is a mission of necessity. Which is why we must and will stay as long as it takes to finish our job. Of course, the size and shape of the ISAF mission will change over time. But let no one misinterpret […]

Who is winning Eastern Europe’s great game?

By Katinka Barysch, the Center for European Reform

From Katinka Barysch, the Center for European Reform:  The US is withdrawing from the former Soviet space; the European Union struggles to be taken seriously there. Does that leave Russia free to strengthen its influence in the countries around its borders? Not necessarily, for the situation in the region is complex. … Although by far […]

Help Our Friends Fight with Us: Ratify the Defense Trade Cooperation Treaties with the UK and Australia

By Damon Wilson and Jonathan Ruemelin

President Obama will host British Prime Minister David Cameron for the first time at the White House on Tuesday as both sides try to reassure the other that the ‘special relationship’ is indeed special.  There is no better way to calm the waters in the special relationship than by decisive Senate action to approve the […]

196 indicted in alleged Turkish coup plot

By Suzan Fraser, the AP

From Suzan Fraser, the AP:  A court on Monday indicted 196 people, including four retired military commanders, of conspiring in 2003 to overthrow the Islamic-oriented government in an alleged plot that highlights tension between Turkey’s pious leadership and its secular opponents. A 968-page indictment accuses the suspects of planning to create chaos and pave the […]