Western Europe

British intell services foiled Gaddafi attack on the leadership of Libya’s NTC

By Cassandra Vinograd, the AP

Russian envoy visiting NATO capitals to warn of retaliatory “military steps” against missile defense system

By Kim Sengupta, the Independent

US purchasing entire fleet of British Harrier jets

By Christopher P. Cavas, Vago Muradian and Andrew Chuter, Marine Times

From Christopher P. Cavas, Vago Muradian and Andrew Chuter, Marine Times:  The Navy and Marine Corps have agreed to buy Britain’s entire decommissioned fleet of 74 Harrier jump jets, along with engines and spare parts

Syrian Foreign Minister: ““The Libyan scenario will not be repeated”

By Nada Bakri, the New York Times

From Nada Bakri, the New York Times:  [Syrian Foreign Minister] Walid al-Moallem, speaking at a televised press conference in Damascus, reiterated Syria’s contention that it had complied with with terms of a proposed Arab League peace plan by withdrawing its armed troops from urban areas, releasing political prisoners and offering pardons to militants.

A future for UK and NATO defense

By Jim Murphy, the Labour Party

Iran Turns to China, Barter to Survive Sanctions

By Adrienne Chuck

On November 10, the Atlantic Council’s Iran Task Force held a public briefing on Iran trade relations. This briefing marks the release of the Council’s fifth issue brief, entitled “Iran Turns to China, Barter to Survive Sanctions,” by senior fellow Barbara Slavin.

Due to defense cuts and Libya, Britain currently has no ships protecting its coasts

By the Telegraph

From the Telegraph:  The Navy normally provides a minimum coverage of a frigate or destroyer fulfilling the role of Fleet Ready Escort (FRE) in order to be able to respond quickly to a potential threat at home or abroad. However, slashed Defence budgets and the war in Libya has meant there hasn’t been a vessel […]

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.