United States and Canada

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.

Russia’s Lavrov rules out global war over Arctic resources

By RIA Novosti

From RIA Novosti:  Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday dismissed as "provocation" suggestions that world powers could fight a war over valuable Arctic natural resources. Russia, the United States, Canada, Denmark and Norway are seeking to assert jurisdiction over parts of the Arctic, which is believed to contain over 25% of the world’s oil […]

Russia wants “its own security sector” in European Missile Defense

By RIA Novosti

Gates May Cut At Least One Army Brigade from Europe

By Spencer Ackerman, Danger Room

From Spencer Ackerman, Danger Room:  In his Thursday press conference, [Defense Secretary Robert] Gates called out U.S. European Command for hosting way too many cushy billets for senior officers