Finland’s Next Prime Minister Backs NATO Membership
While most Finns would rather stay out of the alliance, Alexander Stubb supports NATO membership.
Supporting Maliki Could Make Iraq Crisis Worse
The United States can only furnish a temporary respite in Iraq from what is turning into another civil war.
Mosul Kidnappings Underline Failure of Erdoğan’s Middle East Policy
The Turkish prime minister tries to shift blame to the opposition, but it is his own foreign policy that has failed.
Portugal Rejects European Aid to Avoid More Austerity
Portugal rejects more bailout funds after the supreme court strikes down a series of austerity measures.
Iraq’s Kurds Take Kirkuk as Government Battles Islamists
Taking advantage of an Islamist offensive in the west, the Kurds inch closer to independence.
Ukraine Accuses Russia of Sending Tanks to Separatists
Three Ukrainian tanks were supposedly seized by Russia in the Crimea and then given to separatists in the east.
Islamists’ Mosul Offensive Carries Regional Implications
Sunni militants’ conquest of Mosul puts them in a strategically better position vis-à-vis Iraq and Syria.
British, German Eurosceptics Join; Farage, Le Pen Seek Allies
Nationalists on the right miss out as Germany’s Euroskeptics join to the reformist bloc.
Ukraine’s Poroshenko Willing to Talk, But with Whom?
The separatists are so divided, it is difficult to find anyone Ukraine’s president could negotiate with.
Putin at Ease in Asia’s Power Politics
The West’s desire to isolate Russia does not seem to resonate in Asia, where interests trump liberal ideals.
French Conservatives Seek Leadership from Former Premiers
The French right seeks leadership from thee of its former prime ministers.
Islamist Militants Take Mosul, Discrediting Iraq’s Government
Militants capture police stations and military checkpoints as Iraqi troops flee their positions.
European Parliament, Local Elections Boost for Italy’s Renzi
The Italian prime minister wins a strong mandate to continue his economic and political reforms.
Chinese Shopping Spree Raises Concerns in Israel
Will foreign control of key Israeli industries endanger its security or is this a case of “strategic prejudice”?
Bulgaria Suspends Involvement in Russia’s South Stream Pipeline
If Bulgaria pulls out of South Stream, Russia’s design to bypass Ukraine in its gas deliveries to Europe will be jeopardized.