Western Europe

NATO’s Libya Op may soon loose its only aircraft carrier

By David Brunnstrom, Reuters

From David Brunnstrom, Reuters:  Worse looms over the horizon, with France indicating it will need in the autumn to withdraw the Libyan mission’s only aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, on virtually continuous operations since last year — with no replacement in the offing.

NATO allies bicker over lack of firepower in Libya

By James Blitz and Ana Fifield, the Financial Times

From James Blitz and Ana Fifield, the Financial Times:  Military experts say one way of gauging the lack of firepower in the Libya operation is to compare it to Nato’s 1999 air war over Kosovo.

NATO Secretary General and British Prime Minister discuss Libya and Afghanistan

By NATO

Britain needs to reverse its defense cuts

By Con Coughlin, the Telegraph

From Con Coughlin, the Telegraph:  With every day that passes, the wanton destruction visited upon our Armed Forces by the Government’s inept handling of last year’s Strategic Defence and Security Review becomes more evident.

How serious is the split between the US and Europe over defense spending?

By James Blitz, the Financial Times

From James Blitz, the Financial Times:  Europe’s declining interest in paying for global security is becoming a serious anxiety for policymakers in Washington.

BAE Systems pulls out of Polish defense tender

By Gabriela Baczynska, Reuters

From Gabriela Baczynska, Reuters:  Europe’s biggest defence contractor BAE Systems (BAES.L) has pulled out of the race for a 1.45 billion zloty ($530.5 million) contract to supply Poland with 16 training-combat aircraft, the company said on Tuesday.

Head of Britain’s Navy warns of cutbacks if Libya Op lasts long

By Danica Kirka, AP

The West is still waiting for its Libya gamble to pay off

By Doyle MacManus, the Los Angeles Times

From Doyle MacManus, the Los Angeles Times:  Hope isn’t a strategy. But it was a major part of NATO’s decision to launch an air war against Libya’s Moammar Kadafi almost three months ago.