In The News

Europe Must Adapt to a Dangerous World

Daniel Twining March 29, 2016
Security is essential for economic viability, and the terrorist attacks in Paris and Brussels suggest that European Union leaders underestimated the jihadist influences within their cities and the aggression near its borders. EU leaders must master geopolitics, influencing regional events and engaging in great power competition. The continent may be over-reliant on the United States for security...

With Belgian Terrorist Attacks, Strains on a Battered Europe Grow

Griff Witte March 25, 2016
After World War II ended, the nations of Europe were determined to cooperate on making their continent a model of peace and civilization. Terrorist attacks waged by its own citizens as well as millions of refugees from the Middle East, an economy struggling with debt threaten, worries about trade and jobs threaten that model. “A union that has for decades been seen around the world as a beacon...

Brussels Attacks Point to Broad Terrorist Network in Belgium

Shiraz Maher March 22, 2016
Three explosions in Brussels, two at the airport and one at the metro station, “once again demonstrate the difficulties in securing ‘soft targets,’ particularly where they relate to the transportation system,” writes Shiraz Maher for New Statesman. He also casts doubt on a theory that the attacks are a specific retaliation for the arrest of a 26-year-old associated with the coordinated terrorist...

Putin Withdrawing Russian Forces from Syria

Max Fisher March 15, 2016
Russia’s president surprised the world by announcing a withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria. Analysts are taking a wait-and-see approach after Russia’s previous announcement that it was tackling extremist groups in Syria and instead aided the Syrian government with attacks on US-backed rebel groups. Russia is expected to withdraw enough troops to pressure the al-Bassad regime into entering a...

Corruption Threatens Ukraine's Hard-Earned Freedom

Chris Miller March 14, 2016
The abrupt resignation of Ukraine’s respected minister of economy and trade, his refusal to “serve as a cover-up for covert corruption,” has triggered political crisis and an onslaught of recriminations about inept governance. More resignations may follow, and the crisis comes during a treacherous period as the West and Russia battle for influence over the country of 45 million. “Notably, the...

Closure of Balkan Route Divides Europe

March 11, 2016
Decisions by Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia and Croatia to close borders to refugees fleeing war in Syria and elsewhere in the Middle East are dividing the European Union, suggests an article from Deutsche Welle. Closing borders does not resolve the problem, contends German Chancellor Angela Merkel who favors organized and united management of the refugee crisis and suggests a divided response...

Whisper It Softly: Muslims Are Part of Europe's Future

Shada Islam March 10, 2016
Violent conflict in the Middle East is driving hundreds of thousands of refugees toward Europe – a crisis that is straining resources, explains Shada Islam, policy director of Friends of Europe based in Brussels. The continent is divided over welcoming the refugees and settling them in different countries, with some politicians stoking fear and warning about a clash of cultures. “Muslims, also,...