Politics & Diplomacy

Denmark Claims North Pole

By Jan M. Olsen, AP

Scientific data shows Greenland’s continental shelf is connected to a ridge beneath the Arctic Ocean, giving Danes a claim to the North Pole and any potential energy resources beneath it, Denmark’s foreign minister said.

Greek General Appointed to Lead EU Military Committee

By European Union

From the European Union:  The Council today appointed General Mikhail Kostarakos as next Chairman of the EU Military Committee.

NATO Seeks to Deepen Cooperation with Gulf Partners

By Jens Stoltenberg, NATO

For 10 years, NATO’s relations with the Gulf partners have grown deeper and stronger. And this is good, because the more we cooperate, the safer we will be.

What Do the Presidential Elections Mean for Tunisia’s Future?

By Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East

On December 21, Tunisians will cast their ballots in the runoff presidential election between Interim President Moncef Marzouki and Nidaa Tounes leader Beji Caid Essebsi. The landmark vote will close the first chapter of a delicate political transition, but perhaps more importantly, will mark the beginning of real governance challenges.

Top News: Congress Expected to Adopt Bill Allowing Obama to Reopen Military Aid to Egypt

By EgyptSource

The long-term spending bill that Congress is expected to adopt this week would allow the State Department to resume military aid to Egypt despite ongoing concerns with the country’s human rights record.

After Moldova’s Election: Will Prime Minister Leanca Keep His Job?

Atlantic Council Senior Fellow Brian Mefford on Implications of the November 30 Vote As Moldova’s pro-European parties negotiate on the shape of a new governing coalition, Prime Minister Iurie Leanca could come under pressure to step aside for another leader, says Atlantic Council Senior Fellow Brian Mefford. That’s because Leanca’s Liberal Democrat party saw a […]

NATO and the EU Talk Over Closer Cooperation

By Stephen Fidler, Wall Street Journal

The headquarters of Brussels’ two international bureaucracies lie barely 4 miles apart, but at times in their history the distance between the two has been far greater.

The Demise of South Stream

By Richard Morningstar

Russia’s Planned Pipeline to Southeast Europe Was Doomed from the Start While the timing of President Vladimir Putin’s abandonment of the South Stream gas pipeline this week was surprising, its demise was inevitable from the start.