Topic: German Marshall Fund

Europe calls Euro 2012 penalty on Ukraine for treatment of Tymoshenko

With Ukraine and Poland preparing to host the Euro 2012 soccer championship, Europe sees it as an opportune time to pressure Ukraine over its treatment of opposition figure Yulia Tymoshenko.

If Hollande wins French election, Europe won't collapse – just shift a bit

Socialist François Hollande may well win the French presidential election. But don't expect a big brawl or gridlock with German Chancellor Angela Merkel over austerity and debt. Markets will keep Hollande in check. And then there's the tradition of German-French cooperation.

US must focus on upcoming leadership change in Afghanistan

When Obama made his secret visit to Afghanistan yesterday, he emphasized America's security role. The US needs to focus on helping Afghanistan build its political and governing capabilities. The Afghan presidential election looms with no plan for a smooth transition of power.

Panetta apologizes over latest military scandal

Libya to Europe: Remember us?

Former Libyan Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril traveled to Brussels to warn European leaders about the dangers of abandoning their work in Libya before the country is stabilized. 

Did Kim Jong-il death ruin breakthrough deal on North Korea nukes?

Before the death of Kim Jong-il, the US was close to working out a deal to give food aid to North Korea in exchange for steps toward denuclearization. Now those talks are on hold. 

Eurozone crisis: A Polish answer to the 'German question'

Days ahead of a key summit to solve the European debt crisis, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski bluntly spelled out six reasons why Germany – more than any other country – owes its fellow European Union members solidarity in holding the eurozone together.

German economic model – American style

The debt crisis is shaking Europe – and now Germany, too. But no Western country weathered the storm of the Great Recession as well as Germany. America can't copy the German model, but it can learn much from its small-business exporters.

Obama's crucial moment in Poland

At the dinner he co-hosts in Poland, President Obama has an opportunity to not merely rebuild relations with nations that have felt estranged in recent years; he should declare America’s enduring support for completion of a Europe that is truly whole, free, and at peace.

Crisis in Ireland tests eurozone vision of common currency, common interests

The Greece and Ireland debt crises have raised more questions about a currency that was supposed to unify Europe.

Time to reset the reset in US-Russia ties

Human rights and democracy abuses have worsened in Russia. Despite a smoother relationship from the diplomatic 'reset' between Washington and Moscow, the US should more forcefully pressure Russia for progress on rights, especially as elections loom.

Quran-banning advocate Geert Wilders heads to ground zero

Dutch politician Geert Wilders, who advocates banning the Quran, is expected to attend an event near ground zero to commemorate September 11 and rally opposition to Islam.

The West must engage, not demonize, Turkey

In Washington and European capitals, it will be tempting to conclude that Turkey is already “lost,” that it is fated to become a rising theocracy that will work against rather than for international order. This would be a grave mistake.

NATO won't be spared Defense budget ax, commander says

Defense Secretary Robert Gates last week promised to cut the Department of Defense budget. Monday, NATO Commander James Stavridis promised to do the same.

Web, religious freedom on agenda as US-China rights dialogue resumes

After two years without any talks, the US-China rights dialogue will begin once more in May. The two nations are expected to discuss religious freedom, Internet freedom, and the rule of law.

How the world views Obama at one year

While Obama remains a ‘rock star’ in many countries, skeptics don’t see much tangible change in US policy.

Afghanistan war: Brown's call signals NATO ready to boost forces

Britain's Gordon Brown on Friday called on NATO countries to send 5,000 more troops for Afghanistan war. It's one sign that NATO may be willing to commit more forces to that war than expected.

West Germans liberated mentally by fall of Berlin Wall

As a child, Constanze Stelzenmüller saw the barrier as a symbol of Germany's punishment.

Biden's task in eastern Europe: Reassurance

After the decision to cancel missile defense plans in Poland and the Czech Republic, the US needs to do more than damage control to soothe ties there.

Europe, don't go wobbly on Afghanistan

Pressure is building in Germany, which faces elections Sunday, and elsewhere to withdraw troops. Leaders such as Angela Merkel must explain the grave risk of a cut-and-run strategy.

Will NATO missile defense idea have 'mutual benefit' for US, Russia?

Proposal for partnership follows Obama's decision to nix a missile shield based in Europe.

After the fall of the wall: Middle Europe reemerges – sort of

The connections of the old Habsburg Empire have reappeared, post cold war, but regional identity has not.

US to scrap missile defense shield that irked Russia

The Obama administration is expected to announce Thursday it will shelve Bush-era plans to erect a missile defense shield in Eastern Europe, after Iran’s long-range missiles were deemed less of a threat than previously believed.

Amid British furor over Afghan rescue mission, war support plummets

The day after New York Times reporter Stephen Farrell was released by British commandos, a new poll finds growing opposition to the UK's troop commitment to the war.

President Obama may be slumping at home, but he's surging in Europe

The US president's approval rating in Europe is 86 percent, even as he faces assaults from the right at home. But can he use that to advance his policy goals?