Tag: nato

Triumph in Libya? Not So Fast, NATO

The conventional wisdom is that U.S.-led NATO vanquished the ruthless and despotic Moammar Gadhafi. And that is largely what happened. Gadhafi had one of the worst human rights records on the planet, was autocratic, and was even downright bizarre at times. Moreover, although the U.S. pretended to play only a limited, background role in NATO’s … Continue reading “Triumph in Libya? Not So Fast, NATO”

More Lost by the Second

It’s a bit odd to me that with my sense of geographical direction I’m ever regarded as a leader to guide groups in foreign travel. I’m recalling a steaming hot night in Lahore, Pakistan, when Josh Brollier and I, having enjoyed a lengthy dinner with Lahore University students, needed to head back to the guest … Continue reading “More Lost by the Second”

Gates’ NATO Gripes Ignore Biggest Failing

Before exiting the stage as secretary of defense, Robert Gates took a parting shot at NATO. During his last visit to Europe, Gates delivered a scathing speech that included these criticisms: “too many allies have been unwilling to fundamentally change how they set priorities and allocate resources” “the very real possibility of collective military irrelevance” … Continue reading “Gates’ NATO Gripes Ignore Biggest Failing”

No Early End to Libya War Expected

Fortified by formal U.S. recognition as Libya’s legitimate government, fighters loyal to the rebel Benghazi-based Transitional National Council (TNC) made a key advance Monday by reportedly gaining control of most of the eastern oil port of Brega. But whether that achievement, combined with the diplomatic gains made by the TNC in recent days, will be … Continue reading “No Early End to Libya War Expected”

What Really Goes on in Afghanistan?

The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said the following in a May 25 press release: Afghan and coalition forces air assaulted into Do-ab district, Nuristan province today to assess insurgent activity. … “We have seen the insurgent claims in the media. Our Afghan and coalition forces are on the ground. There is some fighting however … Continue reading “What Really Goes on in Afghanistan?”

Afghan Resistance Triggers NATO Retreat

Almost a decade after the war in Afghanistan began, the endgame is now in sight. NATO will soon start its security handover to local forces, and the first U.S. troops will also leave as part of a gradual withdrawal plan that is due to be completed by the close of 2014. But despite claims from … Continue reading “Afghan Resistance Triggers NATO Retreat”

Why US and NATO Fed Detainees to Afghan Torture System

Starting in late 2005, U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan began turning detainees over to the Afghan National Directorate of Security (NDS), despite its well-known reputation for torture. Interviews with former U.S. and NATO diplomats and other evidence now available show that United States and other NATO governments become complicit in NDS torture of detainees … Continue reading “Why US and NATO Fed Detainees to Afghan Torture System”

Are We Allied to a Corpse?

Of our Libyan intervention, one thing may be safely said, and another safely predicted. When he launched his strikes on the Libyan army and regime, Barack Obama did not think it through. And this nation is now likely to be drawn even deeper into that war. For Moammar Gadhafi’s forces not only survived the U.S. … Continue reading “Are We Allied to a Corpse?”

Gimme More Magna Carta!

On this very Web site I wrote a thing in March 2008, titled “What Should NATO Do?” It ended by worrying that NATO’s Afghanistan policy was in danger of drifting into the hands of the Firepower People, which now seems realistic. Imagine my surprise to discover that, later in the same year, on Dec. 5, … Continue reading “Gimme More Magna Carta!”