Topic: Center for Transatlantic Relations

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Afghanistan and Libya point NATO to five lessons

Both the wars in Afghanistan and Libya reveal serious flaws in the alliance. If they can’t be fixed, perhaps it's time for a 'back to basics' NATO and a return to coalitions of the willing.
Osama bin Laden and America's long journey from 9/11 to 5/1

The killing of Osama bin Laden means that, for the first time in years, there may be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
West's goal must be Qaddafi's removal

If Qaddafi remains in power, that would guarantee a continuing disaster for the Libyan people. And the consequences would extend far beyond Libya.
Arab revolt is a tidal wave. Does the West get what's really behind it?

We've blown it so far by thinking in terms of stability, or security. We should have been thinking most about values: our own. The opportunities for progress are far greater with a democratic Middle East. And the implications will dwarf both the war in Afghanistan and the war in Iraq.
NATO summit reality check: Brilliant policy vs. real world resistance

The NATO summit laid out excellent plans for ongoing security, including Afghanistan and Russia. It's brilliant policy. There's just one problem: implementation happens in the real world – where countries are slashing defense budgets and publics resist ongoing military engagements.
Ratify the New START treaty -- but wait until January to do it

Reaching agreement on the New START treaty should not be difficult. With proper conditions, New START protects US national interests and shouldn't be rushed through a lame-duck Senate session, but taken up in full daylight when the new senators take their seats in January.
Afghanistan war: Is the US in it to win it?

America's engagement in Afghanistan remains vital. Now is the time to renew our resolve and pursue our broad-based strategy, not look for an exit.
America's 'small people' and BP's gaffe-prone Gulf oil spill response

The Gulf oil spill has exposed both linguistic and cultural chasms between America and Europe. BP's Swedish chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg apologized for calling Gulf residents 'small people.'
Four ways the West can rebuild a crumbling international order

As NATO gets a strategic overhaul, Western allies must rebuild an international order that protects and promotes prosperity and security in the 21st century.
Tipping point in Bosnia, Serbia, and Kosovo: EU and NATO must finish the job

Despite progress, trouble looms in Bosnia, Serbia, and Kosovo. Better engagement now by NATO and the EU can prevent backsliding.
Agreement on climate change looks unlikely ahead of Copenhagen

A European Union agreement last week was short on specifics. US commitments on reductions may not be forthcoming, making Chinese commitments also unlikely.
Berliners welcome Obama as they did JFK

The Democratic presidential nominee, who delivers the sole public foreign policy speech of his overseas tour here Thursday, was dubbed 'president of the world' by Der Spiegel.
Berliners welcome Obama as they did JFK

The Democratic presidential nominee, who delivers the sole public foreign policy speech of his overseas tour here Thursday, was dubbed 'president of the world' by Der Spiegel.