Americas

Europe’s lack of key defense capabilities raises doubts about NATO’s future

By Andrew Exum, World Politics Review

From Andrew Exum, World Politics Review:  Many Poles now worry the NATO alliance is but a shadow of its former self and wonder whether it can be counted upon for support in the future.

Russia: Missile defense ‘litmus test’ of West

By the AP

Clinton: U.S. on track for Afghan deal by NATO summit

By Arshad Mohammed, Reuters

From Arshad Mohammed, Reuters: The United States said on Wednesday it appears to be on track to sign a strategic partnership agreement with Afghanistan charting their future relations during or before a late May NATO summit.

NATO says Putin unlikely to attend Chicago summit

By Slobodan Lekic, the AP

From Slobodan Lekic, the AP:  Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to attend NATO‘s summit in Chicago due to his busy schedule at home, the alliance’s top official said Wednesday.

A Bodyguard of Lies

By Harlan Ullman

During World War II, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill said that truth was so important that it had to be protected by a “bodyguard of lies.” Hence, under Churchill’s leadership, Britain set up the Special Operations Executive to confuse, mislead and otherwise trick the Nazis about allied intentions and operations. The “man who never was” […]

Russia considering establishing cyber-security command

By RIA Novosti

From RIA Novosti:  The Russian government is considering setting up a dedicated cyber-security command, responsible for protecting the armed forces’ information systems, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said on Wednesday. "We are currently discussing the question of setting up a cyber-security command," said Rogozin, who has responsibility for Russia’s military-industrial complex. "This is in connection […]

McCain urges US to sign Strategic Partnership Agreement with Karzai at NATO summit

By Carlos Munoz, DEFCON Hill

From Carlos Munoz, DEFCON Hill:  The U.S. military "will remain a fact on the ground" in Afghanistan long after a White House deadline to have all American troops out of the country expires, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said today.

Russian president orders military to prepare countermeasures against US missile shield

By Vladimir Isachenkov, the AP

Four conditions for a NATO invasion of Syria

By Daniel Byman, Michael Doran, Kenneth Pollack, and Salman Shaikh, Brookings

From Daniel Byman, Michael Doran, Kenneth Pollack, and Salman Shaikh, Brookings:  One variant on the invasion option that bears separate consideration because it could prove to be an attractive alternative is for NATO to invade Syria with Arab League diplomatic support and ideally some Arab military participation.