U.S. Goes To Arctic Ministerial Promoting Pragmatic Cooperation -- UPDATE (5/17)

--- POST-MEETING-UPDATE

At the Nuuk meeting, the Arctic Council put off the European Commission’s application for “permanent observer” status – probably for two years. The bid was strongly supported by one Arctic Council member state, Finland (which also belongs to the EU). But it was opposed by two other permanent Council members, Canada and Russia. Decisions are taken by unanimity on the Council. A decision on the EU application – based on criteria established at Nuuk – is set to be taken within two years, ie by the time of the next Council ministerial.

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EU Must "Ask More" From Athens (5/9)

Even if rumors about a Greek departure from the eurozone have been deflated, the recent flurry of speculation should not obscure the hard facts about what Athens needs to do: shrink the country’s defense spending, privatize more public-sector activity and collect more taxes from companies and wealthy citizens. These are the conditions for energizing the country’s economy and businesses.

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Ronald D. Asmus (1958-2011) -- A Tribute (5/3)

Ron Asmus had already made his place in history – as a worthy successor to the great generation of “Atlanticists” who built and nurtured the transatlantic partnership – when he died last week at the tragically early age of 53. For more than two decades, he had been tirelessly energetic and remarkably effective in pushing his commitment to the emergence of a Europe whole and free. His influence was powerful in policy communities on both sides of the Atlantic: in Europe, he was an adviser and reassuring ally to leaders with aspirations to freedom; in the U.S., he constantly reminded Americans how much they needed that kind of Europe.

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British Voters Enthusiastic About NOT Changing Status Quo in Voting System (5/6)

A referendum proposing a complicated tweak in Parliamentary elections was rejected by a “no” vote with a large enough margin to amount to simple repudiation.  With enough ballots counted to ensure the measure’s defeat, projections said that the outcome could approach a 70-30 defeat for the measure, which was put to voters on the same day as local elections in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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Killing of Bin Laden May Provide Opening For Compromise In Afghan War (5/2)

Will the elimination of Osama Bin Laden help open the way to an end of the war in Afghanistan and an earlier withdrawal of more U.S. and European troops fighting there in the NATO-led offensive against the Taliban? This question is already being debated in policy circles in Washington (and in European capitals) on the day after the killing of Al Qaeda’s leader.
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