International Organizations

A Long-Term Strategy for Libya and the Mediterranean: Over to the European Union

By Sven Biscop

Now that operations have started, all eyes are fixed on the military intervention in Libya. That can only be useful though in the context of a comprehensive political strategy for the country and the region. Crafting such a strategy is the role of the EU. Intervening in Libya is not evident. The operation is far […]

Did Obama threaten to withdraw from coalition?

By Anne Applebaum, the Washington Post

From Anne Applebaum, the Washington Post:  The French Socialist Party triumphed in local elections last weekend. The Libyan rebels triumphed in Brega and Ras Lanouf.

North Africa is Europe’s problem – not Obama’s

By the Editors of the Observer

From the Editors of the Observer:  Committees are sometimes the fairest way to decide policy; rarely, if ever, are they the most efficient. As a system for conducting wars, their shortcomings are obvious.

FT: NATO should pursue regime change

By the Editors of the Financial Times

From the Editors of the Financial Times: The west intervened to avert a bloodbath in Benghazi. That was necessary and right.

Turkey not game to back NATO

By Abby Phillip, POLITICO

From Abby Phillip, POLITICO:  Since taking office in 2009, President Barack Obama has made it a priority to cultivate a stronger American alliance with Turkey

Italy to propose joint plan with Germany on Libya

By Philip Pullela, Reuters

From Philip Pullela, Reuters:  Italy will propose that it and Germany back a joint plan on Libya that involves a ceasefire, a humanitarian corridor and exile for Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said.

“Serious cyber attack” targets EU’s Commission and diplomatic service

By the BBC

From the BBC:  The EU has reported a "serious" cyber attack on the Commission and External Action Service on the eve [3/23] of a summit in Brussels, a spokesman told the BBC.

Sarkozy reignites row over NATO military role in Libya

By Ian Traynor, the Guardian

From Ian Traynor, the Guardian:  Nicolas Sarkozy has belittled Nato’s role in the military operations against Muammar Gaddafi, re-igniting the row over who replaces the Americans in charge of the campaign in Libya. … The Nato decision is expected by Monday, before foreign ministers meet in London on Tuesday to discuss Libya. Senior officials were […]

The Wrong German Foreign Policy

By Joschka Fischer, Social Europe

From Joschka Fischer, Social Europe: [N]ever has Germany been more isolated.

Diplomats mourn “death” of EU defence policy over Libya

By the DPA