Russia and the USA Enhance Their Presence in Central Asia
Lately Russia has evidently given special focus to Central Asia. On September 19th-20th Vladimir Putin paid a visit to Kyrgyzstan, and October 4th-5th – Dushanbe. The agreements signed in course of these visits should assure stable military presence of Russia in Central Asia region for 20-30 years. On this ground the experts made a conclusion that the balance in the region established between the world powers gradually, but persistently leans to Moscow, especially at the background of withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan. READ MORE
At least six non-NATO countries have agreed to support Alliance’s new mission in Afghanistan since 2015
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen reaffirmed a new NATO led mission in Afghanistan beginning in 2015, reported Silk Road Newsline. READ MORE
Romney and Obama talk Iran, nuclear program at debates
President Obama and Governor Mitt Romney wrapped up a series of defining debates on Monday night with a bristling exchange over America's place in the world, and other important issues, one of which was Iran and its disputed nuclear program, NY Times reported. READ MORE
US election unlikely to change US foreign policy
As the election nears, President Obama and Governor Romney have tried to draw clear distinctions between their foreign policies. But the next president will face hard realities that leave little room for maneuver. READ MORE
Kazakhstan Downplays NATO’s Role in Central Asia
Kazakhstan has recently participated in international military exercises with its NATO partners as well as through the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in what at first sight appears to confirm that its multi-vector foreign policy also strongly influences its defense and security policy. Nonetheless, the scope, intensity and seriousness attached to the country’s defense and security relations with Moscow and its involvement in the CSTO goes far above the lip service it pays to cooperation with NATO. This critical distinction in Astana’s defense policy is amply demonstrated by the country hosting the CSTO’s first peacekeeping exercises from October 8 to October 17 (Interfax, October 3; see EDM, September 11). READ MORE
NATO Defence Ministers make progress on capabilities, planning for new Afghan mission
NATO Defence Ministers took stock of progress in improving Allied defence capabilities and endorsed the first stage of planning for the post-2014 training and assistance mission in Afghanistan, in a two-day meeting in Brussels. READ MORE
Dmitry Salamatin: Ukraine will contribute to the creation of safe Afghanistan
Today in Brussels, chaired by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, was held the meeting of the North Atlantic Council with countries - contributors to the operation of the International Security Assistance Force in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. This is reported in the press service of the Defense Ministry, for UNN. READ MORE
We can't allow Germany and France to run our defence industry
With BAE Systems and EADS locked in frantic negotiations to save their proposed £28 billion merger, the key issue for the British government comes down to one simple question: are we about to surrender control of Britain's largest defence contractor to the French and Germans? READ MORE
French police continue searches following nationwide anti-terror operation
French police have continued searches in the southern city of Cannes following simultaneous anti-terrorism raids across the country on Saturday. READ MORE