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Archive for the 'Iraq' Category

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…

Turkey and Transatlantic Trends: Between xenophobia and globalization

Thursday, September 13th, 2007

ISTANBUL — This year’s Transatlantic Trends survey contains some striking data on Turkey. Conversations about the findings here in Turkey suggest several key points.

First, over the last year, the survey shows Turks becoming markedly cooler toward the world. The trend is most striking in attitudes … Continue Reading…

Add Energy to America’s Relations with Turkey

Friday, September 7th, 2007

WASHINGTON — Americans should pay close attention to the news from Turkey. The August 28 election of a new president, which has provoked strong opposition from the powerful Turkish military, is a test of Turkey’s democracy. The visit of Turkey’s energy minister to Iran earlier in August to sign energy … Continue Reading…

G-8 protesters are their own worst enemies

Saturday, June 9th, 2007

You have to give it to Greenpeace: their speedboat stunt at the G-8 summit was truly spectacular. If climate-change campaigners ever tire of trying to save the world, a lucrative career in Hollywood surely beckons.

But just as Tinseltown must conjure up ever-more dramatic special effects to capture jaded audiences’ attention, … Continue Reading…

Why Blair quit and how he will be remembered

Thursday, May 10th, 2007

At noon today at a meeting at the Trimdon Labour Club in his constituency, Tony Blair told a group of his friends and political supporters (link requires Real Player) that he has tendered his resignation as leader of the Labour Party and will be stepping down as Prime Minister on 27 June after ten years and eight weeks in the job. The much-trailed announcement is all-but-certain to result in a smooth handover of power to Chancellor Gordon Brown who will lead the Labour Party into the next General Election slated for 2009. Continue Reading…

Why Prime Minister Gordon Brown must say sorry for Iraq

Tuesday, May 8th, 2007

On Thursday this week, British Prime Minister Tony Blair will announce the date he will step down as premier, all but cementing a July handover to his long time political friend and rival Gordon Brown. As Chancellor Brown moves nextdoor into Number 10 Downing Street, he faces some big challenges on the economy and on reinvigorating the domestic policy agenda. But the only way he will be able to make the necessary break with the Blair era and restore the Labour Party’s electoral fortunes is to offer a full and unequivocal apology for the mistakes of the government’s policy towards Iraq. Continue Reading…