United States and Canada

Senior US diplomat reminds PM Ivanishvili ‘the world is watching’ Georgia’s democratic transition

By Philip H. Gordon, Department of State

From Philip H. Gordon, Department of State:  I noted how impressed we are with Georgia’s democratic development.

Lavrov: Clinton says US committed to finding ‘compromise agreement on missile defense’

By RT

The Future of Conservative Foreign Policy

By James Joyner

According to both the exit polls and the pre-election polling, President Obama was widely considered better on foreign policy than his Republican opponent. The last time that happened was 1964, when Lyndon Johnson carried 44 states, in part on the message that electing Barry Goldwater would lead to nuclear holocaust.

Are fewer, yet more expensive military forces the best defense?

By Magnus Nordenman, the New Atlanticist

From Magnus Nordenman, the New Atlanticist:  While military forces have grown ever more sophisticated, their size and density have been on the decline for decades.

It’s Time for Free Trade With Europe

By Frances G. Burwell, U.S. News & World Report

From Frances G. Burwell, U.S. News & World Report:  European leaders have turned to economics as the basis of a renewed partnership with the United States—

German Defense Minister expects request today to deploy Patriot missiles to Turkey

By Reuters

From Reuters:  Turkey is expected to formally request on Monday that NATO missiles be placed on its border with Syria to defend against mortar rounds, Western defence officials said.

Video: Panetta says U.S. supports deployment of Patriot missiles to Turkey

By Voice of America

From Voice of America:  Another area of special concern for [Secretary of Defense Leon] Panetta is Syria, where cross-border attacks have prompted Turkey to ask NATO for Patriot missiles to place along the Syrian border.

Turkey will officially request deployment of NATO missiles on Monday: German daily

By Reuters

From Reuters:  Turkey will formally ask NATO on Monday to set up missiles on its border with Syria due to growing concern about spillover from a 20-month-old civil war in its neighbor, a German newspaper reported on Saturday.

Who will be on Obama’s new foreign policy dream team?

By Jo Biddle, AFP

From Jo Biddle, AFP:  A week after winning re-election President Barack Obama has yet to reveal his new White House dream team amid fierce jostling for coveted posts key to shaping America’s foreign and defense policy.