United States and Canada

Turkey’s Kissinger

By James Traub, the New York Times

Nordic Alliance: Mini-NATO or Polar Fog?

By Andrew Rettman, the EUobserver

From Andrew Rettman, the EUobserver:  Proposals for the five Nordic countries to create a mini-Nato alliance are "dreams in Polar fog" but may be useful for "keeping an eye on Polar bears and Russians", according to the former US ambassador to Norway, Benson Whitney.

Obama Administration’s Cyber Report Card

By the National Security Cyberspace Institute

From the National Security Cyberspace Institute:  We’ve awarded decidedly mixed grades to President Obama at the halfway point of his term.

Executive Suspended for Criticizing E.U. Satellite

By Kevin J. O'Brien, the New York Times

From Kevin J. O’Brien, the New York Times:  The chief executive of the largest satellite company in Germany was suspended on Tuesday for telling American diplomats that the Galileo satellite project in Europe was redundant, cost-inefficient and designed to benefit French business interests, according to cables published by WikiLeaks.

US and Russia Disagree over Zones of Control for Missile Defense

By Walter Pincus, the Washington Post

From Walter Pincus, the Washington Post:  Before the November NATO-Russia Council meetings in Lisbon, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev asserted three principles for a shared NATO missile-defense agreement: Russia would be a full partner, there would be shared early-warning data (such as shared sensors), and there would be assigned zones of responsibility for protection.

China’s buying spree raises hope, and fear in Europe

By Charlemagne, the Economist

From Charlemagne, the Economist:  On his tour of Europe this month, China’s vice-premier, Li Keqiang, announced his country’s plan to buy cheap European government bonds, as Chinese companies purchased shares in European petrochemical ventures, tens of thousands of cars and even a few million euros’ worth of Spanish wine and ham to top off the […]

Prime Minister Claims Power in Tunisia as President Flees

By David D. Kirkpatrick, the New York Times

Is Germany Out Growing the Franco-German Partnership?

By Steven Erlanger, the New York Times

From Steven Erlanger, the New York Times:  While the agonies of the European Union — sovereign defaults, deficits and bubbles — unfold like a great wonk drama, at their core is something more intimate: the fractured tale of Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy.

Russia’s Parliament Amends START to Highlight Withdrawal Option

By Steve Gutterman, Reuters

US 17th Air Force in Germany to be deactivated

By John T. Bennett, the Hill

From John T. Bennett, the Hill:  [Air Force Secretary Michael Donley] provided more details about which facilities and organizations the service will shutter and consolidate as part of Pentagon’s cost-cutting drive, moves guaranteed to garner attention on Capitol Hill.