Labour Undermined Britain’s Standing in Syria Vote: Ministers
Conservatives say the left acted “opportunistically” when it withheld support for airstrikes.
Western Europe
France Postpones Syria Action, “Cannot Go It Alone”
President Barack Obama’s request for congressional approval has created “a new situation” for France.
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.
Lawmakers Force Leaders into Syria Retreat
British lawmakers vote down a motion that could have paved the way for intervention in Syria.
France’s Hollande Vows to “Punish” Perpetrators of Syrian Gas Attack
The French leader invokes the world’s “responsibility to protect” civilians in Syria’s civil war.
Merkel Takes Risk by Suggesting Role in Syria
Most voters and parties see little reason for Germany to involve itself in another country’s civil war.
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.
Europeans, Turkey Demand Action After Syrian Gas Attack
Britain and Turkey insist chemical weapons were used in Syria. France urges the world to respond.
Dutch Consider More Austerity as Deficit Rises
The government must cut deeper to keep its shortfall under the European treaty limit.
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?
Coalition Could Stay in Power After Next British Election
Few Conservatives and Liberal Democrats would like it but they might not have much of a choice.
France’s Hollande Unlikely to Reform Pensions
The president can ill afford to alienate his own base by proposing sweeping changes to the nation’s pension system.