The Atlantic Council Blogs

U.S. Warned India About Mumbai Attacks

Neil Leslie — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 07:00:00 -0500

The U.S. warned India about the recent attacks in Mumbai according to unnamed officials. BBC:

UN Approves Piracy Crackdown

Neil Leslie — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 07:00:00 -0500

The United Nations Security Council has renewed its authorization for the use of military force against Somali pirates. This comes after SC Resolution 1838 enacted on October 7 which urged states to commit naval and air assets to the fight against rampant piracy off lawless Somalia.

Maritime Shock and Awe Won't Fix Piracy

James Easaw — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 06:00:00 -0500

The rash of ships hijacked in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden has focused the international community’s efforts to put an end to the scourge of piracy off the Somali coast. But eradicating piracy once and for all will require more than tough talk, sending in a few warships, and establishing shipping lanes that commercial ships must transit through if they want protection.

NATO Agrees to "Graduated Re-Engagement" with Russia

Peter Cassata — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 06:00:00 -0500

Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, NATO's Secretary General, said after a two day meeting of alliance foreign ministers in Brussels that NATO had agreed to "conditional and graduated re-engagement" with Russia.

Lighter Side: International Space Cooperation?

Peter Cassata — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 06:00:00 -0500

No, you're not reading the Onion. Professor Richard Crowther, a UN scientist with the Association of Space Explorers (ASE), has urged international cooperation to intercept asteroids that might hit Earth. The UN is scheduled to meet in February of next year to discuss the issue.

EU Probe Investigates Causes of Russia-Georgia Conflict

Peter Cassata — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:49:14 -0500

On Tuesday, an official EU probe into the causes and progression of the Georgia conflict in August was launched. Deutsche Welle:

Today's Editorials - 12/2/2008

Peter Cassata — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:47:05 -0500

Georgia Acted in Self-Defense - Mikheil Saakashvili (President of Georgia), WSJ

Saakashvili Weighs In - Luke Allnutt, RFE/RL Transmission Blog

Improving Our Maritime Vision

David Sagunsky — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:10:50 -0500

Pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia and the sea-borne infiltration of terrorists into Mumbai are graphic (and recent) reminders why maritime domain awareness — being aware of activity occurring on or under the water that has a direct impact on a country's safety and security — matters. Transatlantic cooperation has already succeeding in making the Mediterranean a safer place. Now it is time to direct our attention further afield.

Canada's Liberals and New Democrats Forge Coalition Government

James Joyner — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 07:59:29 -0500

Despite Stephen Harper's Conservatives picking up seats and falling just short of a majority in October's elections, it appears a leftist coalition is set to supplant them in power if Harper loses a confidence vote.

Russia Begins Naval Exercises With Venezuela

Neil Leslie — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 07:00:00 -0500

Russia and Venezuela have begun joint naval exercises around U.S. territorial waters in the Caribbean. It is the first time that a Russian fleet has been in the area since the end of the Cold War. BBC:

Georgia in NATO — It Just Makes Sense

David Smith — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 06:59:38 -0500

NATO foreign ministers will meet in Brussels today to, in the words of the April 3 NATO Bucharest Summit Statement, “make a first assessment” on Georgia’s quest for membership in the alliance. In the aftermath of Russia’s August attack on Georgia, a Membership Action Plan (MAP) is not now politically possible.

Ukraine, Georgia React to Diminished NATO Hopes

Peter Cassata — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 06:00:00 -0500

Ukraine is seeking to repair relations with Russia as its hopes of entering NATO fade, the Times reports:

Germany at Odds with UK, France Over EU Stimulus Plan

Peter Cassata — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 06:00:00 -0500

Ahead of a two-day meeting of EU finance ministers in Brussels that starts Tuesday, Germany remains reluctant to cut taxes or significantly boost spending. Merkel's hesitance to further contribute to EU rescue packages is increasingly putting her at odds with the UK, who

Computer Game Wars: The Russia-Georgia Conflict

Peter Cassata — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:22:39 -0500

A humorous post from Brian Whitmore at RFE/RL's Transmission blog – "Talk About War Profiteering!:"

State Capitalism on the Rise?

James OConnor — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:57:55 -0500

The rise in attractiveness of “State Capitalism” development models is cited as a potential consequence of the increasing economic power of Russia and particularly China in the latest report from the National Intelligence Council, Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World.

General James Jones: Seasoned Leader, Strategic Thinker, and Statesman

The Council — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:40:31 -0500

General James L. Jones, chairman of the Atlantic Council, was appointed this morning by President-elect Barack Obama as the 21st National Security Advisor.

Polls: Dealing with Russia, Predicting Mumbai Fallout

James Joyner — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:03:33 -0500

Our previous poll, "How should the U.S. and Europe address concerns over Russia?" drew surprisingly similar responses on both sides of the Atlantic, with solid majorities in both the U.S. and abroad preferring offering more integration in exchange for cooperation and only a third preferring a significantly harder line.

Obama's Foreign Policy Shift

James Joyner — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:24:11 -0500

We're about to see a great shift in resources from the military to other actors, David Sanger argues.

UK Adopting the Euro?

James Joyner — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:51:38 -0500

The European Commission president says Britain is closer to joining the Eurozone. This is apparently news to the Brits.

Ukrainian Arms, Georgian War?

Peter Cassata — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:30:00 -0500

Accusations that Ukraine improperly sold arms to Georgia during its August war with Russia continue to plague the Ukrainian political system. NYT:

German General Issues Scathing Criticism of Berlin's Afghanistan Efforts

Peter Cassata — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:15:00 -0500

General Hans-Christoph Ammon, the head of the German army's elite special commando unit KSK, called Germany's contributions to the NATO mission in Afghanistan a "miserable failure" while speaking to the German press agency DPA. IHT:

Deal Reached with Somali Pirates over MV Faina

Peter Cassata — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:00:00 -0500

A ransom agreement has been reached with Somali pirates who hijacked a Ukrainian ship in September, UPI reported:

Terrorist's Goal: War Between India and Pakistan

Neil Leslie — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:10 -0500

India-Pakistan experts suggested that last week's attacks on Mumbai were designed to provoke a war between the two countries, thereby scuppering President-elect Obama's plans for peace in the region, which has been at the top of his agenda.

NATO Tensions Over Ukraine/Georgia Membership

Neil Leslie — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:10 -0500

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice will meet with NATO ministers to discuss controversial plans for proposed Ukrainian and Georgian membership of the alliance. Financial Times:

Today's Editorials 11/30/2008

Neil Leslie — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 13:44:31 -0500

The Target Was Democracy, Not Injustice - Editorial, The Guardian

A Cloud Over India's Muslims - Martha Nussbaum, LA Times

Pakistan Threatens Troop Buildup on India Border

James Joyner — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:17:32 -0500

Tensions between India and Pakistan have risen dramatically as a result of the Mumbai terror attacks. WSJ:

More Gunfire on Georgia Border

James Joyner — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:13:12 -0500

Yet another shooting incident has taken place on the Georgia-South Ossetia border. AP:

Swiss Approve Free Heroin, Keep Marijuana Illegal

James Joyner — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:09:40 -0500

In separate referenda today, Switzerland approved free heroin for addicts but rejected legalizing marijuana.

read more

Today's Editorials - 11/29/2008

Neil Leslie — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 13:40:35 -0500

Forgotten Lessons From 9/11 - Anne Applebaum, Washington Post

A Wounded City Turns From Tears to Anger - Aravind Adiga, The Times

Mumbai Terrorism Likely Kashmir Based

James Joyner — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 08:30:12 -0500

Western intelligence are focusing their investigation of the Mumbai terrorist attacks on a Kashmiri group. NYT:

EU Blocks France Bank Plan

James Joyner — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 07:34:23 -0500

The EU is standing in the way of France's efforts to save its banking system. Reuters:

Canada's Conservative Government Nears Collapse

James Joyner — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 07:26:38 -0500

Stephen Harper's government, given a new mandate only five weeks ago, is on the verge of collapse, Reuters reports.

EU Economy Update

Peter Cassata — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 06:00:00 -0500

UK

In the UK, RBS became the latest bank to be taken over by the government as a result of the financial crisis, according to IHT:

U.S. Backs Off Formal NATO Roadmap for Georgia and Ukraine

Peter Cassata — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 06:00:00 -0500

According to RFE/RL, the U.S. dropped plans to push for Georgian and Ukrainian NATO membership at an alliance meeting scheduled in December:

Today's Editorials - 11/28/2008

Neil Leslie — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:23:20 -0500

Hillary of State - Kimberley A. Strassel, Wall Street Journal

A Teflon Putin for your Grandkids to Admire - Yevgeny Kiselyov, Moscow Times

Mumbai Attacks Must Bring India and Pakistan Closer

Derek Reveron — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:05:06 -0500

As mourning of the Mumbai attack continues, one thing is certain—intelligence cooperation between India and the rest of the world must increase. This is not only due to the transnational nature of terrorism, but also because states increasingly rely on international cooperation to combat terrorism.

Iceland Taps Sovereign Wealth Fund, Restricts Capital Flows

James Joyner — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0500

Iceland's central bank has taken drastic steps in light of the collapse of its top commercial banks.

Mumbai Attacks Chill Pakistan-India Relations

James Joyner — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 07:55:07 -0500

Suspicion that the Mumbai terror attacks were in some way backed by Pakistani intelligence services are threatening to end recent cooperation between India and Pakistan. Chris Brummit for AP:

Indian Commandos End Seige at Hotel and Jewish Center

James Joyner — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 07:48:09 -0500

Indian commandos have conducted successful raids of a hotel and Jewish center that had been captured by terrorists. AP:

Today's Editorials - 11/27/2008

Neil Leslie — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 11:30:24 -0500

Europe's Right Finds Excuses fot the Kremlin - Denis MacShane, Financial Times

Ukraine's Stalled Revolution - Editorial, CS Monitor

Mumbai Attacks Sophisticated but Likely Not al Qaeda

James Joyner — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 08:01:07 -0500

A previously unknown group calling itself the Deccan Mujahedeen has claimed responsibility for the horrific attacks in Mumbai. While these attacks came during a period when Western intelligence chiefs were "expecting an al Qaeda spectacular terrorist attack" and came just hours after the FBI warned that al Qaeda may be "targetting New York's subways and railroads," the best guess of terrorism experts is that the Mumbai attacks were the work of local groups.

Mumbai Terrorist Attacks Kill 101, Wound Hundreds

James Joyner — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 07:51:20 -0500

Over one hundred people are deadand many times that wounded in a serious of terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

Times of India:

China Calls Off Summit with EU

Peter Cassata — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:52:01 -0500

China postponed a summit with the EU scheduled for next Monday in France because of planned visits between the Dalai Lama and European heads of state, the FT reported:

Unrest in North Caucasus

Peter Cassata — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:02:24 -0500

The mayor of Vladikavkaz, the capital of the Russian republic of North Ossetia, was assassinated Wednesday, RFE/RL reported:

BRIC Summit in 2009?

Peter Cassata — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:52:31 -0500

Medvedev and Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called for a summit of the emerging market BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) to take place in Russia in 2009. Reuters reported:

Today's Editorials - 11/26/2008

Neil Leslie — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 09:30:12 -0500

Guantanamo: Shut It Down - Editorial, The Times

A Death That Plays Into the Terrorists' Hands - David Mercer, The Times

Has Terrorism Lost its Sex Appeal?

Nicholas Siegel — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:52:21 -0500

A few years ago I sat at a friend’s kitchen table on a cool summer evening in Dublin, Ireland. I don’t visit there very often, so I inevitably wanted to catch up on Irish sports, the music community, as well as the political scene of a country that, for its size, is well adept at making world headlines.

Fed Pledges $800 Billion in Loans

Peter Cassata — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:00:00 -0500

On Tuesday, the Fed announced the availability of a fresh $800 billion in loans for consumers. The FT reported:

Economic Rise of the East

James OConnor — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:00:00 -0500

In its latest report entitled Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World, the National Intelligence Council has made various predictions about the continuing and changing influence of globalization around the world. It is argued that “as some countries become more invested in their economic well-being, incentives toward geopolitical stability could increase.” This is positive.

Kosovo and Serbia Agree on EULEX

Peter Cassata — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:00:00 -0500

Kosovo and Serbia have agreed on the deployment of the EU's policing and justice mission in Kosovo, EULEX, which is scheduled to take over from UNMIK as early as the end of this year. Last week, Kosovar officials protested that proposals for a separate police force

Afghanistan Withdrawal?

Neil Leslie — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:31:13 -0500

Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has called for a withdrawal timeline for foreign troops from his country. Al Jazeera reports:

Gates Will Remain Defense Chief

Neil Leslie — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:05:19 -0500

The BBC is reporting that Robert Gates will retain his position as Secretary of Defense under the Obama administration:

Obama's All-Stars

James Joyner — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:51:04 -0500

Barack Obama's cabinet choices have been met by gushing reviews. While many of his choices have come under fire from both the left and the right on ideological grounds, the consensus seems to be that these are among the brightest, most capable people around.

Today's Editorials - 11/25/2008

Neil Leslie — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:29:34 -0500

Europe's Socialists Should Look to Obama - John Thornhill, Financial Times

For NATO-Russia Relations, No More Business as Usual - David Capezza, World Politics Review

Medvedev's Message

David Smith — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 07:45:02 -0500

Germany will be either a world power or it will not be at all. - Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf, 1925.

Russia can either be big and strong or it will cease to exist. - Dmitry Medvedev, speech to senior military officers, The Kremlin, September 30, 2008.

Climate Change Will Be More Severe in 2025

Erica McCarthy — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 06:00:00 -0500

The National Intelligence Council’s “Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World” report considers likely scenarios for nearly all strategic global issues, including nuclear proliferation, terrorism, and climate change. Climate change in particular is an issue that we will be faced with on a daily basis two decades from now.

NATO Blockade Urged Following UN Somalia Sanctions

Peter Cassata — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 06:00:00 -0500

On Monday, global shippers pressed for a blockade of Somali waters to stop outgoing pirate ships, the WSJ reported:

France and Germany Clash over EU Economic Rescue Plans

Peter Cassata — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 06:00:00 -0500

At a Monday meeting, Sarkozy and Merkel both agreed not to adopt the valued-added tax cuts enacted in the UK to stimulate spending, an interesting reversal from the leading role Brown took in October after unveiling his financial rescue measures. However, t

Polish President Concerned Over 'Russian Lobby'

Neil Leslie — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:58:14 -0500

Polish President Lech Kaczynski expressed concern over the presence of what he called a "pro-Russian lobby" in the country, that is siding with Moscow over the situation in the South Caucasus.

'Europe Will Lose' if ABM Goes Ahead - Putin

Neil Leslie — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:39:24 -0500

Abandoning U.S. plans for a missile defense shield in Europe will prevent a reactionary deployment of Russian Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad, according to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

British May Ban Happy Hour

James Joyner — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:45:32 -0500

Happy hour may soon be decidedly less happy in the UK:

Russia Claims Evidence of U.S. and NATO "Mercenaries" in Georgia

Peter Cassata — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:29:06 -0500

RFE/RL reported today that the office of Russia's Prosecutor-General claims to have evidence that U.S. and other NATO mercenaries participated in the Georgia conflict in August:

Today's Editorials - 11/24/2008

Peter Cassata — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:33:38 -0500

Spark of Hope for Afghans - Hamid Karzai (President of Afghanistan), Australian

Is the Bloom Off the Rose in Georgia? - Daisy Sindelar, Eurasianet

Learning from the Barbary Pirates

Robert Manning — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 07:15:15 -0500

Amidst all the angst and astonishment about those wild and crazy Somali pirates, we seem to have forgotten that we’ve been through this movie before. It was more than two centuries ago when Muslim pirates were, after England, perhaps the most serious foreign threat bedeviling the new American republic.

Asia's Ascendency Seen in Intelligence Forecast

Joseph Snyder — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 07:01:15 -0500

The National Intelligence Council’s "Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World," released on November 20, poses a fascinating variety of alternate futures.

More Fiscal Stimulus Planned for Europe

Peter Cassata — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 06:15:00 -0500

Last week, German Economics Minister Michael Glos said that the EU is planning a massive economic stimulus package to which all member states will be expected to contribute. This was confirmed over the weekend with news that European Co

Gunfire Erupts Near Convoy of Georgian and Polish Presidents

Peter Cassata — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 06:00:00 -0500

News broke over the weekend that shots were fired as a convoy carrying Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili and Polish president Lech Kaczynski approached South Ossetia. There were no injuries, and the convoy returned safely to Tbilisi. Predictably, Georgia is blaming Russia, and Russia is blaming Georgia. Reports vary significantly.

Barack Obama: Al Qaeda’s Ideological Challenge

Jeffrey Lightfoot — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 06:00:00 -0500

Chief Al Qaeda ideologue Ayman al-Zawahiri gave a good indicator of the current status of his organization’s ideological appeal when Al Qaeda released a video last week.

Pirates Move Saudi Tanker, Fear Attack from Islamists

Neil Leslie — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 05:23:38 -0500

The Somali pirates who hijacked the Saudi-ownded Sirius Star last week have moved the tanker from a port north of Mogadishu for fear of that Islamists - opposed to piracy and the hijacking of a Muslim-owned vessel - may attack.

Obama Pledges Security for Aghanistan

James Joyner — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 08:50:33 -0500

President-elect Barack Obama has pledged to make fighting terrorism a priority.

Bush Holds Last Meeting with Medvedev

James Joyner — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 08:46:41 -0500

President George W. Bush held his last meeting as a sitting president with his Russian counterpart Dmitri Medvedev.

European Auto Bailouts

James Joyner — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 08:38:43 -0500

The American government appears unlikely to offer loan guarantees to the Big 3 U.S. automakers, despite the pleas of President-elect Barack Obama. Meanwhile, European governments appear set to help out their competitors.

UK Urges Obama to Embrace 'New Multilateralism'

James Joyner — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 08:40:14 -0500

UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband has called on President-Elect Barack Obama to embrace a "new multilateralism."

Aubry Defeats Royal in French Socialist Ballot

James Joyner — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 08:33:03 -0500

The French Socialist Party has a new leader. If the press is right, she's got a big job ahead of her.

Pakistan Strikes Working?

James Joyner — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 08:22:19 -0500

At least

Clinton to Accept Secretary of State Position

Peter Cassata — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:12:40 -0500

The NYT Politics Blog said this afternoon that Hillary Clinton will accept the Secretary of State position in Obama's Cabinet:

Terrorism Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?

James Joyner — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:52:32 -0500

Speaking to the Atlantic Council last Thursday, CIA director Michael Hayden declared that, "although Al-Qaeda has suffered serious setbacks, it remains a determined and adaptive enemy" and vowed that, while the American people have grown naturally complacent about the threat, he and his colleagues remain vigilant every day, motivated by the fact that the country "never faced an enemy so committed to our destruction."

Jones National Security Advisor Talk Heats Up

James Joyner — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:52:17 -0500

CNN and Politico are both reporting that General James Jones, chairman of the

Today's Editorials - 11/21/2008

Neil Leslie — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:55:40 -0500

Middle East Priorities for Jan. 21 - Brent Scowcroft and Zbigniew Brezinski, Washington Post

U.S. Dominance Ending

James Joyner — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:16:54 -0500

One of the more provocative projections in the NIC's "Global Trends 2025" report is a prediction of the end of U.S. dominance in world affairs.

UN to Send Additional Troops to DRC, EU Urged to Send Even More

Peter Cassata — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:00:00 -0500

After a unanimous vote by the Security Council, the UN will send 3,000 additional peacekeepers to the MONUC mission in Democratic Republic of Congo, Reuters reported. Given the UN's belatedness, the decision is a positive response to recent increa

EU Pushes Tapping of Arctic Energy Resources

Peter Cassata — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:00:00 -0500

On Thursday, the European Commission urged the EU to begin extraction of vast energy resources in the Artic. Three member states – Denmark, Finland, and Sweden – possess territory in the region. The FT said:

Somali Piracy: Trouble on the High Seas

Peter Cassata — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:00:00 -0500

"What can be done about the growing threat of Somali piracy in the Gulf of Aden?" seems to be the question of the week. Saturday's seizure of the Saudi ship Sirius Star, an oil tanker carrying about $100 million worth of cargo, set off a wave of pirate activity this week, culminating with news that an Indian frigate sank a pirate vessel late Tuesday.

UN Security Council Delegation Heads to Afghanistan

Neil Leslie — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:42:28 -0500

The UN Security Council is to despatch a fact-finding mission to Afghanistan Saturday in order to evaluate conditions in the war-torn country. AFP reports:

Predicting the Future is Hard - And Necessary

James Joyner — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:40:46 -0500

Thomas Fingar, the chair of the National Intelligence Council, spoke to the Atlantic Council tonight on the release of "Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World."

Today's Editorials - 11/20/2008

Neil Leslie — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:25:02 -0500

Obama Should Look into Putin's Record, Not His Eyes - Garry Kasparov, Wall Street Journal

Russia to NATO: Let’s Invade Somalia

Derek Reveron — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:42:50 -0500

The latest seizure of a Saudi oil tanker by Somali pirates presents an opportunity to improve relations between Russia and NATO.

Piracy Ticker: Somalia 2, India 1

Peter Cassata — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:00:00 -0500

The near-daily piracy crisis in the Gulf of Aden continues. After encountering suspicious vessels that turned out to be Somali pirates, an Indian warship sank the pirates' "mothership." The Guardian sum

Sarkozy's Summit Syndrome

Peter Cassata — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:00:00 -0500

The French president's penchant for summits is wearing on both European and U.S. officials, the IHT said Wednesday:

Update Roundup

Peter Cassata — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:00:00 -0500

Some updates on previous posts:

Ignore Russian Pressure, Ukraine Must Join NATO - Yushchenko

Neil Leslie — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:23:11 -0500

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko has said in an interview with The Times that NATO should resist Russian pressure and make an historic offer of membership to Ukraine:

IAEA: Iran is Totally Silent

Neil Leslie — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:54:47 -0500

The nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), presented its latest report on Iran, but told correspondents that Iran has gone silent over the inquiry into alleged atom bomb research the Islamic Republic may be conducting.

Melting the Russian Glacier

James Joyner — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:02:21 -0500

Polish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski, speaking at the Atlantic Council today, declared that Russia's justification for invading Georgia, that it was defending its friends abroad, is one that has been used by Russian autocrats for centuries to justify a doctrine of imperialism.

Today's Editorials 11/19/2008

Neil Leslie — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:08:28 -0500

Closing Guantanamo - Elisa Massimino, International Herald Tribune

Jones as National Security Adviser?

James Joyner — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:16:50 -0500

General James L. Jones, the Atlantic Council's chairman, is being touted by the Washington Post as a leading candidate to be Barack Obama's national security adviser.

Was Putin Right about Russia's Markets?

Peter Cassata — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:15:00 -0500

On Tuesday, Medvedev stated that the Russian government is willing to continue using its reserves for various financial rescue measures, which have totaled around $200 billion to date. Russia's stock markets have plummeted a massive 70 percent since May, and declining oil prices are expected to more than halve its current account surplus for next year to around $40 billion. The

The Kim Jong-il Saga

Peter Cassata — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:00:00 -0500

Speculation about Kim Jong-il's health is one of a few worrying developments to come out of North Korea recently. The Independent described the North's intentions to close its border with South Korea, its largest provider o

Britain Re-Establishes Spy Links With Syria

Neil Leslie — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:23:20 -0500

Britain re-established high-level intelligence links with Syrian authorities after David Miliband made his landmark visit to Damascus, the first by a British foreign secretary for seven years. The Times:

Iranian Cargo Ship Seized by Somali Pirates

Neil Leslie — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:06:50 -0500

Yet another pirate hijacking. Somali pirates seized an Iranian cargo ship loaded with 33,000 tons of grain according to Al Jazeera:

Is it Too Late for Afghanistan?

James Joyner — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:03:29 -0500

During his address this evening to the Atlantic Council, ISAF commander General David McKiernan emphasized the many positive trends in Afghanistan, noting that he preferred a "Glass Half Full" view.

Hunting Bin Laden

James Joyner — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:26:25 -0500

Last week's remarks by CIA director Michael Hayden at the Atlantic Council continue to draw widespread comment.

Putin and Sarkozy Don't Mince Words

Peter Cassata — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:01:28 -0500

The Times published an interesting exchange between Sarkozy and Putin from the August ceasefire talks on Georgia, leaked courtesy of Sarkozy's chief diplomatic advisor Jean-David Levitte: