Dutch Labor, Liberal Parties Close to Coalition Deal
Prime Minister Mark Rutte is close to forming a coalition government with his formal rivals.
Europe
European Shale Gas Threatens Russian Energy Position
Instead of adjusting to the shale gas revolution, Russia appears to be fighting it.
Secessionist Movements Threaten EU Foundation
Interregional solidarity, one of the pillars of European integration, is under pressure.
Flemish Nationalists Expand Base Across Belgium’s North
Conservatives favoring increased autonomy for Dutch-speaking parts of Belgium win support.
London Mayor Rises as Rival to Britain’s Cameron
Boris Johnson could appeal to the Tory right as well as centrist voters.
Independent Scotland Would Give Conservatives Majority
Scottish secession would be a win-win for Prime Minister David Cameron’s party.
Cameron Trapped in Own “Compassionate” Rhetoric
The British leader has made it nigh impossible for him to pursue more rigorous reforms.
Britain Suggests Curbing Free Movement of People in Europe
Conservatives worry about an influx of labor migrants from Central Europe.
What Austerity? France, Spain Don’t Cut But Tax
The two European countries are raising taxes without reducing government spending.
Miliband Repudiates New Labour at His Party’s Peril
A Labour Party that lurches to the left will lose the confidence of Britain’s middle-class voters.
Spain Plans More Austerity, But Regions Rebel
Madrid is struggling to balance spending as its provinces grow restless.
Single Currency Never Particularly Benefited Germans
Why should Germans do more to save the euro when it hasn’t been a success for them?
Iran Strike Could Destabilize Caucasus, Energy Transits
A strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities could have unintended consequences for the Caucasus.
Alliance Looks East: NATO’s Pacific Future
NATO’s future as an actor in Asia is a natural extension of its post Cold War evolution.
Perception Gap Between North, South Europe Widening
While the Germans champion austerity, Southern Europeans have had enough already.