Category: Blogs

French-Russian Warship Deal Making Waves Among NATO Allies

By Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

From Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: The French daily “Le Monde” broke the news on February 9: Paris had “agreed in principle” to negotiate the sale of one or more Mistral-class ships to Russia… NATO’s new Eastern allies along the Baltic Sea are also unsettled, however, and have taken their concerns not only to Paris but […]

Gates Voices Concern About Warship Sale to Russia

By the New York Times

From the New York Times: Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told French officials Monday that he was concerned about their plans to sell Mistral-class amphibious assault ships to Russia, although there is little if anything the United States could do to block the deal, officials said… Mr. Gates chose the well-known diplomatic code for disagreement […]

NATO Should be Global Security Forum: Rasmussen

By Reuters

From Reuters: NATO should develop closer ties with China, India, Pakistan and Russia and become the forum for consultation on global security, the alliance’s head said on Sunday, but a senior Russian politician reacted with scepticism. The four countries all had interests in stability in Afghanistan and could do more to help develop and assist […]

Iran’s Nuclear Threat to NATO

By the New Atlanticist

From the New Atlanticist: As NATO prepares a new Strategic Concept, the Alliance must address the dangerous prospect of a new and direct security threat: Iran, under the grip of a hostile and authoritarian leadership, armed with and emboldened by nuclear weapons… NATO should reinforce its ability to protect its territory, population, and regional interests. […]

NATO’s largest annual Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise

By SHAPE

From SHAPE: Ten NATO nations will task seven submarines, 18 aircraft (including ship-based helicopters) and eight surface ships to take part in Noble Manta 10, NATO’s largest annual Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) exercise from 10 to 24 February. The exercise will take place in the Ionian Sea to the Southeast of Sicily. Forces are provided by […]

Democracy Still Matters

By Derek Reveron