United States and Canada

Libyan security chief assassinated in Benghazi

By Chris Stephen, Guardian

From Chris Stephen, Guardian:  The Libyan security chief who led an anti-militia crackdown in the wake of the killing of the country’s US ambassador has been assassinated in Benghazi, raising questions about the government’s ability to impose the rule of law. Colonel Farag al-Dersi, Benghazi’s chief of security, was shot dead by three gunmen in […]

French press accuse US of hacking computers in Presidential Palace

By Phil Muncaster, the Register

From Phil Muncaster, the Register:  US-sponsored snoopers hacked into the computers of the Élysée Palace earlier this year ahead of the French presidential election and lifted top secret information, using what appears to be the notorious Flame malware, a French newspaper has alleged. The attack, which occurred in May a few days before the second […]

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.