United States and Canada

France’s Counterterrorism Operations in Africa Deserve US Support

By Editorial Board, Washington Post

[M]ore than 1,000 French soldiers are still fighting Islamic militants in Mali. Another French intervention force has been dispatched to restore order in the Central African Republic.

Finland Orders $123 Million Worth of Stinger Missiles

By Helsinki Times

Finland is set to acquire hundreds of Stinger anti-aircraft missiles from the United States, Carl Haglund (SFP), the Minister of Defence, announced to US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel as the two met in Washington

US Should Challenge European Allies with ‘Frank Talk’ about Defense

By Clemens Wergin, International New York Times

In recent decades, many European states have largely outsourced their security to the United States, which provided a defensive umbrella and protected global trade routes vital for European commerce and energy supplies.

Finnish Defense Minister: EU will Never Become Europe’s Primary Defense Forum

By Jorge Benitez, Atlantic Council

During his trip to Washington to meet with Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Finnish Defense Minister Carl Haglund sat down for an exclusive interview with Director of NATOSource Jorge Benitez.

Iran Sends Flotilla of Warships to Atlantic Ocean

By FARS News Agency and ABC News

From FARS News Agency:  The Iranian Navy dispatched its first fleet of warships to the Atlantic Ocean in a ceremony participated by Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari

Vershbow: European Allies Moving Too Slowly to Address Defense Capabilities Gap in NATO

By Alexander Vershbow, NATO

[W]e need NATO. The European Allies need NATO; but so do Canada and the United States. We all need a proven, permanent framework in which we can discuss these issues, find a common strategy, and act upon the decisions we take.

Getting US Policy Right in Egypt: Where Does Democracy Promotion Fit?

Since the July 3 ouster of former President Mohamed Morsi, many have questioned whether efforts to transition to democracy in Egypt are working and whether democracy promotion should be part of US policy towards Egypt. On January 23, 2014, the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East hosted Shibley Telhami, Anwar Sadat Professor for Peace […]

Get Ready, the Indispensable Americans are Pulling Back

By Gideon Rachman, Financial Times

[T]he most important emerging theme in world politics is America’s slow retreat from its role as global policeman.

NATO Project May Provide Allied Air Forces with ‘Plug and Play’ Precision Munitions

By Julan Hale, Defense News

Development of a NATO standard allowing aircraft from different nations to use precision-guided munitions (PGMs) from various sources and countries could reach a draft memorandum of understanding this year.