Turkish Officials Recorded Discussing Military Action in Syria
Turkey’s security chiefs are allegedly overheard discussing creating a pretext for military intervention in Syria.
Nick Ottens
Nick Ottens is a public affairs officer for the Dutch Animal Coalition and a board member for Liberal Green, the sustainability network of the Dutch liberal party VVD. He is a former political risk consultant and a former research manager for XPRIZE, where he designed prize competitions to incentivize breakthrough innovation in agriculture, food and health care. He has also worked as a journalist in Amsterdam, Barcelona and New York for EUobserver, NRC, Trouw, World Politics Review and Wynia’s Week, among others.
Egyptian Army Chief Sisi Declares Presidential Candidacy
The field marshal finally makes official that he intends to lead the Arab world’s most populous nation.
Support for Tougher Russia Policy Growing in Germany
Angela Merkel is urged to take a stand.
Euroskeptics Win Election in France, Lose in Netherlands
Marine Le Pen is building her party into a national force. Geert Wilders’ future is in doubt.
Estonian Border City Putin’s Likeliest Next Target
The Estonian city of Narva is more likely to be the “next Crimea” than Moldova’s Transnistria.
Venetians Vote to Break Away from Italy in Online Poll
The lackluster pace of Italy’s economic recovery fuels separatist sentiment across the north of the country.
Defense of Ethnic Russians Complicates Putin’s Eurasia Agenda
The Russian leader’s justification for annexing the Crimea defies his warnings against ethnic nationalism.
Dutch Populist Leader Doubles Down on Anti-Moroccan Remark
Dutch Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders refuses to apologize for leading a racist chant.
Russia’s Crimea Seizure Underscores NATO’s Traditional Role
After two decades of navel gazing, it turns out NATO is still most useful for what it set out to do in the first place.
Lithuania, Poland to Revive Military Brigade with Ukraine
Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea prompts the three former Soviet satellite states into action.
Dutch Abandon Ruling Parties in Local Elections
Dissatisfied with Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s economic policy, Dutch voters punish the coalition parties.
Russia Formally Annexes Crimea, Transnistria Requests Same
Moldova’s breakaway region requests entry into the Russian Federation similar to the Crimea’s.
Don’t Confuse Russia’s Motives in Crimea for Justification
Analysts should bear in mind there is a difference between explaining and legitimizing Russia’s behavior.
Ukraine Fears Invasion as Russia Stages Military Drills on Border
Russia stages large military exercises on Ukraine’s border as Germany warns of “catastrophe” unless it withdraws.
Renzi Announces Tax Cuts as Parliament Approves New Voting Law
Italy’s new prime minister promises to reduce business and income taxes.