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Archive for the 'Iraq' Category

Iraq: The right idea after all

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

WASHINGTON — “Bush was right” is not a view frequently expressed in the New York Times.  But, there it was, in Thomas Friedman’s March 10 column:  “Former President George W. Bush’s gut instinct that this region craved and needed democracy was always right.”

Friedman was referring to … Continue Reading…

Obama in Turkey

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009

ANKARA, Turkey — During his first 100 days in power, as a part of his first presidential visit to Europe, U.S. President Barack Obama chose to come to Turkey, where the United States’ image was damaged by the war in Iraq and the tone set by the Bush administration.

Even before … Continue Reading…

Engage Iran if we can, deter and contain it if we must

Monday, October 20th, 2008

President Eisenhower is reported to have said that one way to solve problems is to expand them. This is an insight worth recalling as the United States and Europe try to stop Iran from building a nuclear weapon.

Europeans and Americans share vital interests in the Middle East and have pursued … Continue Reading…

Transatlantic Trends released

Wednesday, September 10th, 2008

Over on the main GMF site, you will find a link to Transatlantic Trends, GMF’s signature survey of American and European public opinion. This year’s findings include data on the U.S. election, Russia as a threat to stability, attitudes toward continued reconstruction in Afghanistan, support for NATO, … Continue Reading…

Obama’s European Trip and Transatlantic (In)compatibility

Tuesday, July 29th, 2008

Much of the commentary on the recent trip by Senator Barack Obama to Europe has–understandably–focused on what his trip means for U.S. presidential politics.  But one can also ask about what it tells us about future transatlantic relations.  It is of course eye-opening and refreshing to see 200,000 Germans demonstrating … Continue Reading…

Obama to Paris, Berlin, London

Thursday, July 10th, 2008

After much speculation, Barack Obama’s team has announced he will travel to Europe this summer  — to Paris, Berlin, and London (the dates have not yet been announced for security reasons, although the London stop … Continue Reading…

A Middle East Final Act?

Thursday, May 29th, 2008

WASHINGTON — April 2009 will mark the 10th anniversary of the entry of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic into NATO.  The journey of these and other former Warsaw Pact countries to NATO and to the European Union is one of the most inspiring transformations in modern history. 

There are lessons … Continue Reading…

Bucharest Conference starts today

Tuesday, April 1st, 2008

Three weeks after Brussels Forum, GMF begins another major conference today with the opening of the Bucharest Conference alongside the Bucharest NATO Summit. Romanian President Traian Basescu and U.S. Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher will deliver speeches beginning at 6:30 Bucharest time, 5:30 in Brussels, and 11:30 … Continue Reading…

BBC World Debate from Brussels Forum

Thursday, March 27th, 2008

At Brussels Forum a few weeks ago, BBC World taped an episode of The World Debate, with Nik Gowing as the host. They have posted the video on their webpage. Enjoy!

Iran policy after the NIE: Modest findings, revolutionary effects

Tuesday, December 11th, 2007

WASHINGTON — The findings from the most recent National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iran’s nuclear program are not revolutionary, but the ensuing debate could be revolutionary for longer-term U.S. and transatlantic strategy toward Iran. 

There is good and bad news here. The good news is that the clock is not ticking … Continue Reading…