United States and Canada

Fidel Castro says US plans NATO invasion of Libya

By Andrea Rodriguez, the AP

From Andrea Rodriguez, the AP:  Cuba’s former leader Fidel Castro said Tuesday that unrest in Libya may be a pretext for a NATO invasion.

Battling US for huge deal, Eurofighter woos Japan

By Eric Talmadge, the AP

From Eric Talmadge, the AP:  In a deal that could be worth billions of dollars and determine one of the primary fighter jets in Asia for decades to come, European aircraft makers are trying to convince Japan to do something it has never done before – snub America.

NATO unity succeeding in Afghanistan

By Nathaniel Fick and John Nagl, the New York Times

From Nathaniel Fick and John Nagl, the New York Times:  It is hard to tell when momentum shifts in a counterinsurgency campaign, but there is increasing evidence that Afghanistan is moving in a more positive direction than many analysts think.

Pentagon strategy highlights threats against U.S. satellites

By Lolita C. Balder, the Washington Post

No more Western hugs for Russia’s rulers

By the Washington Post

From the Washington Post:  Contrary to the wishful thinking many in Russia and abroad expressed when [Russian President Dmitry] Medvedev took office – by de facto appointment – in 2008, his presidency has demonstrated no signs that his pro-democracy rhetoric might turn into real action.

Deja vu: Russia, US at odds over missile defense

By Douglas Birch, the AP

From Douglas Birch, the AP:  Talks between the U.S. and Russia over a new anti-ballistic missile system for Europe are stuck on a key point, with Moscow demanding to jointly run the system and the U.S. refusing to yield.

Obama to make state visit to Britain in May

By Adrian Croft, Reuters

From Adrian Croft, Reuters:  President Barack Obama will make a state visit to Britain in May at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth, Buckingham Palace said on Thursday. Obama will be accompanied by his wife, Michelle, on the May 24-26 visit when they will stay at Buckingham Palace, the queen’s residence in London.  The White House […]

US consults with NATO allies on reducing tactical nuclear weapons

By Rose Gottemoeller, U.S. Department of State

From Rose Gottemoeller, U.S. Department of State:  Addressing non-strategic nuclear weapons will require close coordination with our NATO allies as the alliance reviews its overall deterrence and defense posture, including NATO’s nuclear posture.

Turkey criticizes US ambassador on press freedoms

By Suzan Fraser, the AP

From Suzan Fraser, the AP:  The newly appointed U.S. ambassador to Turkey drew criticism from the government Thursday for comments about the media freedoms in Turkey following the detention of a dissident journalist.

Study shows that defensive military alliances enhance peace

By U.S. News and World Reports

From U.S. News and World Reports:  Countries that enter into defense pacts with other nations are less likely to be attacked, according to new research from Rice University. And those countries are not more likely to attack others.