Is it safe to travel to France? What tourists need to know after Nice attack

Is it safe to travel to France? What tourists need to know after Nice attack

In the wake of Thursday’s terrorist attack in Nice, France the U.S. Embassy in Paris is urging American citizens be vigilant, exercise caution at large gatherings and take steps to “bolster their personal security.” “Authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks in Europe will continue as European members of ISIL (Da’esh) return from Syria and […]

NATO and Baltic security: Keeping the Russians at bay

NATO and Baltic security: Keeping the Russians at bay

It has been quite evident to the European leaders that Russia has become increasingly aggressive towards the nations of Eastern Europe. Its actions in the Crimea (occupation and annexation), Eastern Ukraine (support of rebels and deployment of Russian troops), no-notice military exercises, and other threatening activities have many of the European countries deeply concerned. The […]

Human Trafficking: Meet the Pickpocket Slaves of Europe

Human Trafficking: Meet the Pickpocket Slaves of Europe

Hundreds of Eastern European children are living what the Dutch press calls a modern Oliver Twist story, some held against their will, others in thrall to their handlers as they are forced to beg and steal their way around Western European cities. The thieves in question, some as young as 8 years old, are picking […]

Hold no illusions about Moscow’s true intentions

Hold no illusions about Moscow’s true intentions

Russia or the potential prize of a rapprochement with Moscow. We should not aim to escalate a conflict fueled by the Kremlin for domestic purposes, but neither should we seek to accommodate bad behavior.

Akhmed One-Arm, captured  – Terrorist behind Istanbul Airport attack

Akhmed One-Arm, captured – Terrorist behind Istanbul Airport attack

Akhmed One-Arm was detained following a series of raids executed by Turkish Special Forces on known Daesh (ISIS) collaborators and sympathizers in what is being described as the ‘Asian and European side of the city,’ of Istanbul. To put that into perspective, Istanbul, is divided in two by the Bosphorus Strait.

Warsaw Summit – Important NATO meeting in July 2016

Warsaw Summit – Important NATO meeting in July 2016

NATO exercises held recently in Poland and other Eastern European nations improve the military coordination of the member nations. Could NATO stop Russia from invading the rest of the Ukraine or one of the Baltic States (Estonia, Lithuania, or Latvia)? Unlikely.

NATO: What is it, Why it Matters, and How the U.S. is Helping Strengthen it

NATO: What is it, Why it Matters, and How the U.S. is Helping Strengthen it

Russia’s actions in Ukraine have led NATO to boost its air policing missions, which allow it to detect, track and take action against those who violate or infringe on the airspace of NATO allies. That includes the Baltic region, where NATO said its F-16 Fighting Falcon jets have intercepted Russian aircraft violating allied airspace several times.