Category: Blogs

A New NATO-Based Alliance

By Conrad Black, the National Review

From Conrad Black, the National Review: NATO today is essentially an arrangement between formerly Soviet-occupied countries in desperate need, for obvious historic reasons, of a U.S. military guarantee against Russia, and a cordial alliance that includes a democratic Germany; and the countries that joined the U.S.-led NATO originally to resist Soviet expansionism, and that now […]

Russia and Ukraine Sign Protocol Resuming Russian Intelligence Presence in the Crimea

By RIA Novosti

From RIA Novosti: Russia and Ukraine signed on Wednesday a protocol regulating the presence of Russian security officers at the Black Sea Fleet facilities in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) said. "The protocol stipulates the exchange of information and coordinated efforts to prevent illegal activities against Russia’s Black Sea Fleet that pose a threat […]

When the Kremlin Smiles, Beware the Teeth

By Henrik Liljegren

"The face of modern Russia is a smiling face,” Russian President Medvedev said on April 26. “But other countries must smile back at us.” Lately news about Russia’s relations with the West has led to all sorts of speculation and comments.

The Black Sea as the New North Sea

By Boyko Nitzov

The North Sea region went from being an area of gas exporters to importers and then back to being exporters.  History may well repeat itself in the Black Sea region.

Palestinian Authority Seeks Future NATO Presence

By the Jerusalem Post

From the Jerusalem Post:  The Palestinian Authority is considering allowing the permanent stationing of NATO forces in the future Palestinian state, London-based pan-Arab daily Al-Quds al-Arabi reported Palestinian sources saying Wednesday. The NATO forces would be able to prevent arms smuggling into the future state and to monitor that it would remain demilitarized. Under any […]

NATO, Russia to Link Tactical Anti-Missile Systems

By the AP

From the AP:  NATO and Russia say they will boost efforts to develop a joint system to protect their troops from attack by short-range missiles. NATO spokesman James Appathurai said Wednesday that the former Cold War rivals have agreed to strengthen cooperation on linking their systems – once NATO nations approve the alliance developing its […]

Finnish PM Says Finland Should Keep NATO Door Ajar

By Xinhua

Lavrov Tells EU, NATO Not to Meddle in CIS Affairs

By RIA Novosti

From RIA Novosti:  Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned on Wednesday the European Union and NATO against interfering in the internal affairs of post-Soviet states. Lavrov told the lower house of parliament that events such as the Ukrainian elections and the Kyrgyz revolution prove that interference in the internal affairs of independent states can produce […]

Trouble in River (Thames) City?

By Harlan Ullman

Britain’s May 6 election and the formation of the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government were remarkable events. With Tory leader David Cameron as prime minister and Lib Dem head Nick Clegg as deputy PM, some commentators regard this union as transformative in changing the way British politics are conducted.

The Rest of NATO’s Fleet of AWACs Resume Operations

By Allied Command Operations

From Allied Command Operations: After completing the repair of corrosion damage and successful ground tests, all NATO E-3A have returned to the skies to resume flight operations all over Alliance airspace. The first flight to support the counter-terrorism Operation Active Endeavour over the Mediterranean started on Monday, 17 May 2010. The entire NATO AWACS fleet […]