United States and Canada

White House exploring agreement on new Afghan strategy at NATO summit next May

By the Wall Street Journal

From the Wall Street Journal:  The Obama administration is exploring a shift in the military’s mission in Afghanistan to an advisory role as soon as next year, senior officials told The Wall Street Journal, a move that would scale back U.S. combat duties well ahead of their scheduled conclusion at the end of 2014.

A Silver Lining to America’s Waning Influence

By Helene Cooper, the New York Times

From Helene Cooper, the New York Times:  President Hu Jintao of China will arrive in Cannes, France, this week pondering a plea from Europe for tens of billions of dollars to help the continent get out of its debt crisis. And President Obama will arrive with a smile, some hearty handshakes, and his own plea: […]

Combat Commanders Gain Control Of Counterintelligence Ops

By Carlo Munoz, AOL Defense

From Carlo Munoz, AOL Defense:  The Pentagon is offering field commanders control of counterintelligence operations to cope with the never-ceasing efforts by countries such as China, Iran and Israel to gain access to classified information and technology.

NATO is increasing resources to try get Afghans ready to take over from security firms

By the AP

From the AP:  NATO is pouring extra resources to set up an Afghan force to take over from private security firms after a report showed the Afghans are unlikely to be ready for the planned disbanding of private security companies in March, officials said Wednesday.

NATO in Libya: Is Syria Next?

By Robert Dreyfuss, the Nation

From Robert Dreyfuss, the Nation:  Now that NATO is closing up shop in Libya, will it turn to Syria? Right now, the answer is no. But if the fragmented Syrian opposition—bolstered by Turkey, a member of NATO, which is turning increasingly against Syrian President Assad—manages to set up a Benghazi-like enclave either inside Syria or […]

Kyrgyz president-elect wants U.S. air base closed

By Robin Paxton, Reuters

Roger Cohen: Leading from behind “was smart policy in Libya”

By Roger Cohen, the New York Times

From Roger Cohen, the New York Times:  Leading from behind — a phrase first used by a White House adviser in a New Yorker article by Ryan Lizza — was smart policy in Libya.

End of NATO’s Libya Intervention Means Financial Relief for Allies

By Jessica Rettig, U.S. News & World Report

From Jessica Rettig, U.S. News & World Report:  With burgeoning concerns over government spending, cost had been a point of resistance among some members of Congress and the public over U.S. involvement in Libya.

Hillary’s War: Clinton credited with key role in success of NATO airstrikes, Libyan rebels

By Joby Warrick, the Washington Post

From Joby Warrick, the Washington Post:   At 5:45 p.m. on March 19, three hours before the official start of the air campaign over Libya, four French Rafale jet fighters streaked across the Mediterranean coastline to attack a column of tanks heading toward the rebel city of Benghazi.