Security & Defense

NATO Head: Europe Must ‘Share the Heavy Lifting’ in Afghanistan

By James Joyner

NATO secretary general Jaap de Hoop Scheffer today lambasted European members for their meager commitments to the Afghanistan mission, declaring, “Leadership and burdens — they go together.”

NATO’s One Priority: Afghanistan

By David Capezza

As NATO approaches the April Kehl-Strasbourg Summit and sets its priorities to conform to the transforming international security environment, the leaders in the Alliance should be focusing on achieving one goal: winning in Afghanistan. 

Canada’s MacKay Unlikely NATO Secretary General

By James Joyner

While some have touted Canadian defense minister Peter MacKay as Jaap de Hoop Scheffer’s successor as NATO’s secretary general, precedent makes it highly unlikely. 

France Wants Key NATO Posts for Increased Presence

By James Joyner

French President Nicolas Sarkozy is offering a very meager increase in French participation in NATO in exchange for command of two prestigious posts.  

U.S. Pressures NATO on Afghanistan

By James Joyner

A major overseas conference provides the Obama administration its first chance to influence the direction of transatlantic relations.  David Rising reports for AP.

Kyrgyzstan Closing U.S. Base Key for Afghanistan

By James Joyner

On the same day militants took out a key bridge used to get supplies in from Pakistan, NATO’s logistical problems in Afghanistan got worse. AP’s Mike Eckel:

Alliance Reborn: An Atlantic Compact for the 21st Century

We have an open but fleeting moment to forge a more effective Atlantic partnership. We must seize it now. European and North American allies have allowed their relations to become discordant, yet the times demand vigor and unity. Courageous decisions need to be taken to breathe new life and relevance into the Atlantic partnership, which […]