United States and Canada

How the World Could—And Maybe Should—Intervene in Syria

By Anne-Marie Slaughter, the Atlantic

From Anne-Marie Slaughter, the Atlantic:  A full-fledged civil war in Syria could quickly become a proxy war between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and/or at least some NATO countries on one side against Iran, Russia, Hizbollah, and possibly Iraq and Hamas on the other.

The End of the U.S-Turkey Alliance?

By Ted Galen Carpenter, the National Interest

Major European pullout could start in October

By Michelle Tan and Richard Sandza, the Military Times

From Michelle Tan and Richard Sandza, the Military Times:  As many as 10,000 soldiers — and as many as 25,000 dependents — are expected to withdraw from Europe as the U.S. juggles shrinking budgets and force reductions with maintaining strong relationships with its allies, officials said. On Jan. 12, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said that […]

Alexander Hamilton vs. Ron Paul on Isolationism

By Matt Spalding, the Heritage Foundation

From Matt Spalding, the Heritage Foundation:  Supporters of Ron Paul have re-launched an old ad promoting the old idea of American isolationism.  “We now are a nation known to start war,” Paul is quoted as saying.

NATO’s Afghan alliance unhinged by growing mutual mistrust

By Jon Boone, the Guardian

From Jon Boone, the Guardian:  Mutual mistrust and contempt between local and foreign forces in Afghanistan that often borders on hatred is one of the main reasons why Afghan troops increasingly turn their guns on their Nato comrades, a damning report has found.

Lockheed claims tailhook fix will allow F-35s to land on aircraft carriers

By Dave Majumdar, DefenseNews

Perry defends controversial comment on Turkey

By Ashley Killough, CNN Political Ticker