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New Atlanticist

Feb 17, 2009

Canada: Time for ‘Frank Discussion’ About NATO Future

By James Joyner

Canadian defense minister Peter MacKay argues that NATO faces an existential crisis in Afghanistan and it’s time for “a frank discussion” about the future of the alliance. 

Afghanistan NATO

New Atlanticist

Feb 16, 2009

Pakistan Agrees to Sharia Law in Malakand

By James Joyner

Pakistan has agreed to limited Sharia law in its Malakand region as part of a wider truce with the Taliban.  The government agreed to implement Islamic law and suspend a military offensive across a large swath of northwest Pakistan on Monday in concessions aimed at pacifying a spreading Taliban insurgency there.

Pakistan

New Atlanticist

Feb 15, 2009

NATO Afghanistan Mission Risks Repeating Russia’s Mistakes

By James Joyner

The twentieth anniversary of Russia’s withdrawal from Afghanistan is bringing natural comparisons with the NATO mission now in its eighth year.  Abdul Saboor, writing for Reuters, recalls a Soviet airstrike that killed 30 civilians and sees many similarities. A string of bungled U.S. and NATO air strikes killed 455 Afghan civilians last year, according to […]

Afghanistan NATO

New Atlanticist

Feb 10, 2009

Getting NATO to Say ‘Yes’ on Afghanistan

By James Joyner

The United States has committed to an additional 30,000 troops for the Afghanistan mission and NATO secretary general Jaap de Hoop Scheffer has called on Europe to step up with a similar commitment.  France has already said no.  General David Petraeus asked again and was again rebuffed.  Today, Spain joined them.

Afghanistan NATO

New Atlanticist

Feb 9, 2009

NATO: Afghanistan Drug Raids Imminent

By James Joyner

General John Craddock, head of NATO forces, announced Sunday that attacks on drug lords and labs in Afghanistan will begin within the “next several days.” 

Afghanistan NATO

New Atlanticist

Feb 7, 2009

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.”

Afghanistan NATO

New Atlanticist

Feb 6, 2009

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. 

Afghanistan NATO

New Atlanticist

Feb 5, 2009

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.

Afghanistan NATO

New Atlanticist

Feb 4, 2009

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:

Afghanistan NATO

New Atlanticist

Feb 3, 2009

Beating Al Qaeda But Losing in Afghanistan?

By James Joyner

 We’re winning the war against al Qaeda, killing its leaders faster than competent replacements can be found, NPR‘s Tom Gjelten reports.

Afghanistan

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