The US wants to install bases for its long-planned missile defence shield in Europe. Last year it persuaded Poland and the Czech Republic to participate in the project. It wasn't until Russia protested vigorously at the beginning of the year that the arms project became the subject of a pan-European debate. » more
Due to the common foreign policy of the EU it is increasingly expected to play a leading role in world politics. What are the aims of the EUs' security policy? What do the Europeans think about it? » more
The US wants Europe to participate in its missile defence system, however Russia feels threatened. Europe is debating whether a commitment under the auspices of NATO would not be preferable to the participation of individual EU member states in the project. » more
Here you will find helpful links on the subject of US missile defence: voices in the debate about the instalment of US bases in Eastern Europe and the addresses of websites providing information on the subject of missile defence. » more
US troops started a major offensive in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday night. Around 4,000 marines are to drive the Islamist Taliban from their stronghold in Helmand in an effort to stabilise the troubled province before the Afghan presidential elections on August 20. More than 600 members of the Afghan security forces are also involved in the operation.