Western Europe

Will Germany Remain Part of the West?

By Hans Kundnani

In a sense, the central question of Germany’s post war identity is of whether it constitutes a part of the West or not. As the historian Heinrich August Winkler tells it, Germany has completed its long westward journey. However, the reality is more complicated considering the increasing shift of the Federal Republic’s foreign policy towards […]

Looking for Leadership: Europe fears Obama’s ignoring it.

By Newsweek

From Newsweek: The one policy Obama is firm on is his desire to see the U.S. and NATO allies emerge successfully from the conflict in Afghanistan. But he now faces the liberal FDP in Germany calling for the withdrawal of German troops as it appeals for votes in September’s elections. In Britain, opinion polls show […]

Sarkozy and Merkel: Limit Banker Bonuses

By James Joyner

Germany chancellor Angela Merkel is backing French president Nicolas Sarkozy’s plan to curb executive bonuses at next month’s G20 summit.  The EU is finalizing a plan to implement similar rules among its member states.

Lockerbie Bomber Released Over U.S. Objections

By James Joyner

The man who murdered 270 people by bombing Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1988, has been given a compassionate release from prison so that he may spend his dying days with his family.

Combined NATO-EU Operation Foils Piracy Attack

By NATO

From NATO: Dramatic events in the Gulf of Aden last night demonstrated the level of co-operation that now exists between the international counter piracy forces in that region. Following an approach by pirates, the Turkish flagged merchant vessel ELGIZ NUR CEBI issued a distress call. The rapid, determined and coordinated response by both NATO and […]

German Terrorists Wanted to Kill Americans

By James Joyner

A foiled German terrorist plot against airports, military bases and off duty hangouts of American soldiers was motivated by Islamist zeal and hatred of American foreign policy, the group’s leader has revealed. Their intent was to kill as many Americans as possible to punish us for an alleged “war against Islam.”

Britain’s Afghan role could last “30 to 40 years” – general

By Reuters

From Reuters: Britain could play some role in Afghanistan until 2050, the next head of the British army said in an interview published on Saturday. General Sir David Richards, who becomes chief of the general staff later this month, said Britain’s military involvement should only be needed for the medium term before giving way to […]

Russian Subs Seen Off U.S. East Coast

By the Wall Street Journal

From the Wall Street Journal: Two Russian attack submarines were detected patrolling the waters off the East Coast of the U.S. in recent days, including one that came as close as 200 miles offshore, according to U.S. military officials . . . The senior military official said the two Russian vessels were nuclear-powered Akula class […]

Madeleine Albright named head of NATO’s Wise Men

NATO’s new Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, appointed twelve experts to oversee the development of the new Strategic Concept for the alliance. The special NATO committee (popularly referred to as the group of Wise Men), will be lead by a historic female diplomat, former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Her Vice Chair will be […]