French Socialist Government Underwhelms with Pension Reforms
Making the French work a little longer doesn’t solve the pension system’s problems in the long term.
Europe
Lawmakers Force Leaders into Syria Retreat
British lawmakers vote down a motion that could have paved the way for intervention in Syria.
Turkey Would Open Air Base for Syria Strikes, Cyprus Unaware
Turkey would let NATO warplanes use its bases to support an intervention in Syria.
What Western Intervention in Syria Might Look Like
Western powers should be able to achieve air superiority over Syria, although its defenses are formidable.
Euroskepticism, Scottish Nationalism Fuel English Discontent
The prospects of Scottish independence and a European exit make the English feel more insular.
Ukraine Signals Commitment to Europe Despite Russian Threats
Ukraine’s otherwise pro-Russian president says association with the EU will modernize his country.
Europeans, Turkey Demand Action After Syrian Gas Attack
Britain and Turkey insist chemical weapons were used in Syria. France urges the world to respond.
“Ever-Closer” European Union No Longer in America’s Interest
European integration may no longer achieve the prosperous and stable continent the United States hope for.
Russia Unlikely to Pressure Ukraine into Customs Union
Tighter border checks of Ukrainian exports will not convince Russia’s former satellite state to fall in line.
Dutch Consider More Austerity as Deficit Rises
The government must cut deeper to keep its shortfall under the European treaty limit.
Britain Threatens Legal Action as Warship Sails for Gibraltar
Spain is accused of raising tension with Britain to divert attention away from its own problems.
Czech Cabinet Loses Confidence Vote
A cabinet formed by allies of the leftist president, Miloš Zeman, fails to get the conservative majority’s support.
German Social Democrats Shun Both Conservatives, Far Left
Party leader Peer Steinbrück doesn’t want to enter into another “grand coalition” nor govern with the far left.
Britain’s Hague Right to Restore Relations with Iran
If the Iranians are to stop their nuclear program, they must be persuaded that the West isn’t a threat.
Arguments For, Against Renewing Britain’s Submarine Deterrent
Should Britain renew Trident or would it be better to adopt a different deterrent posture?