Denmark and Climate Change

Denmark has, in recent years, been at the forefront of finding ways to combat climate change. As it states in the article, "80 percent of Denmark’s energy still comes from oil, coal and gas, the country intends to be using renewable energy for 33 percent of its energy needs by 2020." Denmark has prided itself on being the European country on the forefront of fighting global warming, with their Danish ambassador Peter Taksøe-Jensen taking charge and visiting several academic and international conferences this year in his "Danes in the Desert” series. Since Denmark is such a small country, often they find themselves "stepped on" by the US or their other larger European counterparts. However the ambassador to the US and the Denmark government plan on making their statement apparent. 

There are challenges however that may restrict their own ability to turn "green" such as the debt crisis and slow economy. This is something not only Denmark must contend with but also every other country pushing for a green initiative. Jensen spoke in Arizona this past week discussing the issue, stating that Denmark may not be able to change the whole world but they can serve as a beacon for others to follow. 

The climate issue is a hot topic on many government agendas. If countries such as Denmark choose to take tough stances on climate change would this spur changes in other countries such as the US or China? Or is Denmark just too small to make a real difference? Or finally, is the climate question nothing in comparison to the world's and Denmark's shaky economic status? The answer remains to be seen. 

http://www.wildcat.arizona.edu/article/2013/01/ambassador-of-denmark-visits-ua-talks-climate-change

NATO 'Support' to Turkey

NATO has declared that the first Patriot anti-missile battery has gone operational in southern Turkey—the first battery that went operational was provided by the Netherlands and deployed in the city of Adana. The battery is set to seize possible rockets fired from Syria. It is capable of shooting down hostile missiles in mid-air. The next few batteries are expected to be operational over the next several days. It is said that altogether, there will be six Patriot missile batteries.

Officials have repeatedly denied that this is to support a no-fly zone in the area, however, the implementation of these anti-missile batteries has not gone over well with the Turkish citizens, as well as a few states that are not a part of NATO. Many Turks are disgruntled, with some claiming that these missiles are actually for the benefit of  Israel against Iran. Others are skeptical about the Patriot's mission. They doubt that it is really aimed at protecting the Turkish people. The Russian government agrees. Vice president Dmitry Polikanov claims that these missiles will be stationed in Turkey forever, due to its convenient location in the Middle East. Iran has also expressed its disapproval of the actions. 

This news made me question if it was really necessary for NATO to deploy these missiles in Turkey. It seems that this action has received a lot of negative feedback. If many Turks don't support it, then I wonder if Turkey is really that vulnerable to Syrian attacks. What do you think? 

http://rt.com/news/nato-turkey-patriot-missile-807/

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/01/2013126162756106385.html

Albanian Relations with Turkey

Albania and Turkey have generally always had stable and friendly relations. There is a fairly large population of Albanian descendants in Turkey (approximately 5 million). Albania was the last country to claim independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. Albania and Turkey are both predominantly muslim nations, both countries are members of NATO, but neither are yet members of the EU. Turkey is a candidate for becoming a member of the EU and Albania is a potential candidate for becoming a member of the EU. 

Recently, in November 2012, Albania was going to vote for Palestine to become a state. However, this did not go over because of the heavy criticism and you could say bullying, from Turkey. The prime minister of Turkey said, "The world consists of many cowards" directed towards Albania. In an attempt to keep good relations with the country, they changed their vote later from no to vote in abstention against Palestine becoming a state.

NATO-Albania Security Cooperation

While Albania didn't become a full member of NATO until 2009, the country's involvement with the Alliance dates back to the years directly following the fall of the Soviet Union and the subsequent political instability throughout the former Eastern Bloc.  In 1992, Albania joined the North Atlantic Cooperation Council, laying the groundwork for increased cooperation between the Balkan state and those of NATO.  Throughout the 1990s, Albania sought membership in - and lent support to - further international organizations, including the Partnership for Peace, a NATO-sponsored program directly aiming to promote cooperation between the states of the former USSR and those of NATO.  In 1996, Albania joined forces with the NATO peacekeeping force in nearby Bosnia and Herzegovina.  The humanitarian crisis and following NATO military action in Kosovo, in 1999, saw further cooperation, with the Albanian government allowing for a NATO logistics headquarters to be established in Tirana, the Albanian capital. 

The new millennium has witnessed even more developed NATO-Albania cooperation, from the 2002 establishment of a semi-permanent NATO regional headquarters in Tirana (in support of the NATO-led Kosovo Force), to Albanian assistance in the stabilization of Macedonia, to the continued Albanian troop support for the ISAF in Afghanistan (135 Albanian troops currently deployed).  Albania's apparent willingness to lend support to NATO operations and goals, alongside their continual hosting of Partnership for Peace exercises, surely had a significant part in NATO's 2008 extension of an invitation to Albania to become a full member of the Alliance. 


Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partnership_for_peace
http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_48891.htm

The Czech Republic and NATO Defense

http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_91237.htm

Since the first World War, the number of troops in the Czechoslovakian or the Czech Republic army have ranged from about 200,000 (1980's) to 35,000 (mid-2000's). These numbers include both air and ground forces. Because of the fact that the Czech Republic is a landlocked  nation in Europe, it has an Air Force and an Army, but not a Navy.

Despite these numbers, the Czech Republic is very active in NATO and EU peacekeeping missions.

Current and recent deployments include:
Kosovo (Twice)
Afghanistan (Twice)
Somalia
Democratic Republic of Congo

Note (1-30-13) - The Czech Republic has been caught in the middle of the World Wars, and its borders have changed within this time. Because of its small military, the Czech Republic doesn't have the ability to maintain a military presence by itself in most situations. As you can tell by their multiple NATO deployments, they are certainly active and have a position in world politics.

NATO boosts Albania security, armed forces

Albania joined the North Atlantic Co-operation Council in 1992, which was the beginning of NATO-Albania relations. This helped reform and improve its armed forces, security provisions, and in turn its economy. After joining the Partnership for Peace in 1994, this was further expanded. On July 9th, 2008, NATO allies signed protocols on Albania's accession and on April 1st, 2009, Albania became a full member of the alliance. Due to the reform efforts, the country's armed forces became more professional and over 5,000 Albanian soldiers have been involved in five countries as part of NATO, UN, and EU international missions. Albania's contribution to international operations has helped transform a country that consumes energy to one that generates security. 

Albania has also made progress in destroying stockpiled munitions that were leftover and causing a security risk.  Due to Albania's communist history, there was a massive build-up of munitions and weapons from Albania, China, and the Soviet Union. More than 100,000 tonnes of munitions were places in hundreds of depots across Albania. Over time these unused weapons have degraded and becoming hazardous to those living nearby. On March 15th, 2008, an explosion at an ammunitions dismantling plant in Gerdec killed 26 people. Between September 2009 to April 30th, 2012 about 60,982 tonnes of ammunition was demilitarized leaving about 31,000 tonnes left with an estimation of the process ending sometime this year.

This increased safety and NATO integration has helped boost tourist flow and foreign investments. In August 2012, the Prime Minister announced that there was a new record in the tourists numbers of about 3 million as opposed to 2.7 million in the prior year. According to the Tourism, Cultural Affairs, and Youth and Sports Minister Aldo Bumci, this boost in tourism has created about 51,000 new jobs and has contributed 2.1 billion euros to the economy, which is about 21 percent of the GDP. In September, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the NATO Secretary-General thanked Bujar Nishani, the Albanian President, for the country's contribution to the alliance. He also stated, "As a young member of our alliance, Albania can be an example for the whole region." Unlike in most issues, NATO integration has been fully supported by all of the country's political parties.  

 http://setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/features/2012/11/21/feature-03

Poland's role in NATO

I found an interesting article published on Public Service Europe concerning Poland's growing importance in NATO.  The article link is listed below:

http://www.publicserviceeurope.com/article/2824/poland-becoming-a-regional-hub-for-nato

The author argues that while many European states are currently cutting defense spending, Poland is continuing to increase its defense capabilities.  Poland has been working more closely with the US to achieve this desired increase. The article cites the recent 2010 agreement between Obama and President Bronislaw Komorowski "to pursue closer military-to-military cooperation between the US and Poland by creating a platform for joint work by the two air forces." Evidence of this cooperation is visible by the opening of the first American Air Force detachment in 2012 at Lask Air Base in Poland.  The author argues that "Poland is gradually becoming a regional hub for NATO, hosting other allied air force detachments for multinational exercises."

The increased collaboration discussed in this article between Poland and the US suggests that Poland will become a significantly more important member of NATO in the coming years. The US may come to rely more heavily on Poland if other European countries are indeed decreasing their military spending. The US has not held a strong military presence in central Europe following the Cold War era, so this increased US investment in Poland may signify a shift in US military priorities. It is possible that Poland's increased importance as a NATO member could cause increased tension between the US and Russia.

Luxembourg Helps Albania and Albanian military

While researching for my practice country; Luxembourg, in class last week I noticed on the Luxembourg Armies Wikipedia that the nation had provided military, financial and humanitarian support to Albania in the recent years. While I could not find any direct proof of this there is plenty of circumstantial evidence. Luxembourg is a framework member of the Eurocorps; a Corps of five countries armies within the EU. The Eurocorps has provided aid in response to the crisis that occurred in Albania, Yugoslavia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo in the 1990s and early 2000s.

I also found some information on Albania's military history to expound on what others have said.

Following the purges conducted by the Communist government of Albania from 1960 to 1990; the professional military corps of the Albania was non-existent and the effectiveness of its forces was almost non-existent. In 1997 the government that followed the fall of the Communist regime attempted to use the military to crush civilian rioting. The failure of the military to do so caused its complete collapse.

This miss use of the Albanian military may have engendered a similar fear of military power that the Founding Fathers had and is definitely a strand of similarity between the US and Albania.

Opinion on Scotland Leaving the United Kingdom

Scotland will vote for independence in late 2014. Further strengthening devolution as a process in the United Kingdom as ethnic communities push for greater autonomy. Given their historical background I would say that sympathy towards the Scottish cause is permissible, but this is negated the very moment a person realizes that we are really all the same. Nationalism is generally a conservative ideology and generally comes with the belief that if independence is achieved all of the problems in a region will be handled by "your own people," the good guys, patriots, YEAH! However, the reality is that globalization is expanding every day and assimilating us all into a more homogeneous world culture. There is a more liberal aspect to their nationalism, in the sense that many enlightened minds are keen to take anti-imperialist stances especially when examining the United Kingdom, but in the case where people are not being exploited it may be beneficial for a nation-state to remain part of the system regardless of historical wrongs. Why do supranational organizations exist in the first place? They bring us together. On many different topics, the world is brought together through these organizations to share their ideas and thoughts and hopefully mitigate everything that nationalism has always brought historically. Nationalism lead to Scotland being conquered in the first place. You can still be patriotic but not a nationalist, appreciating the benign aspects of culture without becoming militant over your state's power.

- Michael

Germany and Armed Drones

I found this article related to Germany's use of armed drones in military conflict.  I found this article interesting because Germany's decision to begin using armed drones in military conflict could greatly effect NATO's military actions.  Germany is an influential member of NATO as well as guiding force in Western Europe.  Germany's financial capabilities contribute to its prominent status in NATO.  There is a debate within Germany's parliament that is reflective of the contrasting views of NATO members as well.  The Right-Side of Merkel's parliament supports the use of drones in combat.  The Right-Side of Merkel's government claims that drones should be used because of the present technology available.  Also, drones would serve in completing the 'mission' in Afghanistan.  Merkel's Left-Side of the government called for a "broad societal and parliamentary debate about the ethical and legal limitations to the use of combat drones" before a rash decision is made concerning developing advanced military technology.

If Germany does eventually decide to use drones in combat, this could potentially influence future military procedures of NATO.  NATO member states with less resources would most likely provide resistance to the potential use of drones but the member states with amble resources, such as Germany, would most likely possess more ability to convince NATO to consider using drones in combat.  Especially considering the United States' use of drones since 1995.

http://www.dw.de/german-government-to-outfit-military-with-armed-drones/a-16551558

Youtube: Press Point with NATO and Albania

I thought I'd share the official NATO's official Youtube channel - http://www.youtube.com/user/NATOCOMMUNITY?feature=watch
The channel frequently posts new videos almost daily with NATO news - ranging from short 1-2 minute videos and longer videos as well. You can also subscribe and new posted videos will pop up on your news feed so you don't have to go searching for it on the web.

I watched this joint press point with NATO's Secretary General Rasmussen and Albania's President Nishani. Sometimes it is difficult to find the important information in these kinds of formal press conferences but watching it in video-form seems easier to understand than reading the script. (11 minute video)

Albania has been a supporter of NATO years before its membership in 2009. In this video, we see that President Nishani is concerned with current events in Kosovo and the Western Balkans region in general. Albania, as a young member of the alliance, continues to show its enthusiasm in its membership.

Rasmussen: "Albania is a valuable ally. You are committed to our common defense and our operations and you are giving important contributions to our missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo".

Healthcare Reform in Albania

Albania has announced a new series of reforms, along with neighboring Kosovo, to improve their healthcare system to make it more efficient and better operated. In 2010, the government initiated two modules to improve their medical services. At Mother Theresa University Hospital Center, Albania created a database that kept track of the movement of patients. The second module regulates medicines and medical materials. Currently, Albania is working on a massive database to computerize patients' medical records. In the future, the Albanian government hopes to improve healthcare workers' wages. These reforms are big news for the state as they continue to improve the quality of life in the Balkan country.

http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/features/2013/01/24/feature-02

Romania - NATO

 

I found this website super informative and helpful for the stance of my practice country on all things NATO. It gives information that would have been helpful last class when we were discussing relations between the EU and NATO. I didn't realize that Romania supports the strenghtening of cooperation between NATO and EU or that it's played a crucial role in partnerships between countries in its vicinity.

 

Romania's goals as a NATO member are:

1. A robust and relevant alliance based on a solid transatlantic partnership capable to respond effectively to new security threats. A robust and dynamic transatlantic partnership is a crucial factor in addressing new security risks facing the transatlantic community.
2. Fulfilling the commitments as a NATO member regarding the participation in NATO operations and missions [link to the presentation of operations and missions]
Romania takes part in all Alliance missions and operations, including those out of the Euro-Atlantic area.
3. Supporting NATO’s role in providing stability, as a promoter of reforms and regional cooperation in the immediate vicinity of Romania (Balkans and the Black Sea area)

• Romania deems that the Euro-Atlantic frontier, based on democracy, freedom and security should not stop at its eastern border. Europe can not be complete without the integration of Western Balkans in the European and Euro-Atlantic structures. This country can help secure long-term stability in this region and support reforms undertaken by countries in the region.
• At the Eastern border of the Alliance, Romania has been and will continue to be a firm and active advocate of strengthening the partnership with Moldova. Romania will keep on supporting Georgia’s democratic development, its European vocation and its aspirations for integration into Euro-Atlantic structures.
• As the Black Sea region, as part of Europe and a bridge to Central Asia and Afghanistan, is important for the Euro-Atlantic stability, Romania will join the efforts of coastal states to enhance regional security.

4. Development of partnerships between NATO-EU and NATO-UN

• NATO's partnerships with the EU and the UN ensure cooperation in matters of common interest and contributes significantly to countering the threats and challenges to international security.
• Romania has consistently supported the strenghtening of dialogue and cooperation between NATO and EU, in as many areas of common interest as possible, while respecting the specificity and autonomy of decision within each of the two organizations.
• NATO relations with the United Nations is one of particular relevance and Romania is in favour of a broader cooperation between NATO and the UN in maintaining international peace and security.

5. Supporting the transformation process of NATO
- Romania will continue to contribute to NATO's transformation process aimed at imroving response to the new types of threats (terrorism, proliferation of mass destruction weapons).

Link: http://www.mae.ro/en/node/2066?page=2

Albania: Example member of Alliance http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_90052.htm Earlier this year Secretary General spoke for NATO congratulates Albania for regional cooperation in their contributions to Afghanistan. The Secretary General stated that Euro Atlantic integration remained the best way to bring stability to the Western Balkans. Being that Albania's accession to NATO is relatively recent, Albania has worked with NATO since 1992. The recent member is an example of reform since NATO has chosen to boost their military security. http://www.eurasiareview.com/21112012-nato-boosts-albania-security-armed-forces/

Hungary in NATO

Recently, Hungarian President Janos Ader visited NATO headquarters and met with Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. During the meeting President Ader reiterated Hungary's commitment to training Afghan troops and expressed Hungary's plan to remain in Afghanistan even after the end of the NATO-led ISAF mission. In guaranteeing their presence in the Afghan military even after NATO has withdrawn their troops, Hungary has asserted their presence in the Middle East as a peace keeping force. I found this piece of news very interesting because in a previous class we discussed the involvement of Hungary in NATO and the general shift away from the US as the leading peacekeeping force. The involvement of Hungary after the end of NATO involvement marks yet another transition in the world from relying on the US for peacekeeping power to using the power of other nations. 

Albania - CIA World Factbook

The CIA World Factbook is a great source of, well, facts, haha.

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/al.html

Official Name:
Republic of Albania

Religions:
70% are Muslim, 20% are Albanian Orthodox, 10% are Roman Catholicism
(Estimates)

Capital:
Tirana

Constitution:
approved by parliament 21 October 1998; adopted by popular referendum 22 November 1998; promulgated 28 November 1998

National Holiday:

Independence Day, 28 November (1912) also known as Flag Day

 

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

 

Executive Branch:

elections: president elected by three-fifths the Assembly for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); four election rounds held between 30 May and 11 June 2012 (next election to be held in 2017); prime minister appointed by the president on the proposal of the party or coalition of parties that has the majority of seats in the Assembly

 

Legislative Branch:

unicameral Assembly or Kuvendi

elections: last held on 28 June 2009 (next to be held on 23 June 2013)

 

Judicial Branch:

Constitutional Court consists of 9 members appointed by the president with the consent of the Assembly who serve 9-year terms (chairman is elected by the People's Assembly for a four-year term); the High Court members appointed by the president with the consent of the Assembly for a 9-year term; note - there are also courts of appeal and courts of first instance

 

Political Parties:

Democratic Party

New Democratic Party

New Democratic Party

Party for Justice and Integration

Republican Party

Social Democracy Party

and some more...

 

 

Syria. Support the uninfluenced dictator or the Al-Qaeda-supporting Muslim Brotherhood

Syria has been in a state of civil war for several months, if not a year or 2. On one side is an authoritarian dictator. On the other are Syrian rebels who are "fighting for their freedom." The liberal media is focused on the "oppressed rebels and the innocent civilians, being massacred by a ruthless dictator." The Muslim Brotherhood is supportive of the rebels and their cause. What the liberal media fails to even acknowledge is the FACT that the Muslim Brotherhood supports Al-Qaeda. In the years before and after 9/11/01, the Muslim Brotherhood has continuously supported the terrorist organization known as Al-Qaeda, by supplying them with new recruits, weapons, and closed political support. These are FACTS that the U.S. Intelligence (military and civilian) community has discovered over the years, which President Obama blatantly disregards by supporting the Muslim Brotherhood, despite their record of supporting Al-Qaeda and the oppressive government in Egypt. His support, I and a lot of others have noticed, of the Brotherhood is also contradictory of his pro-gay marriage policies/platform, due to the fact that Islam violently persecutes any Muslim who is gay.

So Why is France in Mali?

Great question. 

For anyone who doesn't know where Mali is, it's on the cusp of North Africa, but stuck predominately in the Sahara. About a week ago, the president of Mali sent an urgent appeal to France which prompted the military intervention. Of course, this would also be smart for France to do seeing as Mali is quite closer to Western Europe than the typical "hot spots" associated with al-Qaida. In fact, different extremist groups such as the al-Qaida of the Maghreb and MUJWA have gained such influence in Mali that they have started imposing Shariah law.  Due to France's domestic religious tolerance (or lack of), the author believes that France is predominately in the region due to national security interests and its "mother" role in the Francophone. The fact that President Hollande (for those who don't know is a considered a heavy socialist) is in Mali is quite a big deal. 

Looking out at NATO, "France has not asked NATO for assistance, but two British C17 cargo planes are providing support.  Troops from neighboring states of Niger, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Togo, are now expected within days" (1). France has already bombed most of these terrorist groups which are now fleeing to the Northern part of Mali (which is in the Sahara Desert). This is good for Mali's government in the South, but now posses plenty of problems in terms of logistical support and resources needed in this unconventional terrain. According to TIME magazine, the 2,000 ground French troops were pretty much chilling in the South besides a few helping with the air raids. So, it's quite uncertain what France's next move is. 

How does this relate to NATO?
Well, France is the ONLY country really to address this problem and because a lot of members are in NATO and could see this as a threat. We can perhaps take into consideration a possible appeal of France for NATO resources to help in the efforts. 

TIME Magazine sums the situation quite well:

France deserves the world’s thanks for stepping in when and where no one else, the U.S. included, would. A collapsed Mali into the hands of Taliban-style hoodlums would have established a sinkhole of terrorism accessible from almost any corner of north, west and central Africa. American doubts that the crisis in Mali had direct national-security implications were profoundly shortsighted: as the Algerian hostage situation and the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi showed, Mali’s crisis already extends far past its borders. If no one had stopped the Islamists from taking all of Mali, the resulting calamity for the wider region would have been exponentially grimmer. The moral bravado of the French mission, however, will be of limited assistance on the battlefield as the conflict grinds on. As the French eye Mali’s north, there’s still a lot of sand to sift through. (2)


However, there was an article from somewhat of a shady source "EU Observer" (3) that quotes a senior French military officer who believes that France would be better to act alone: "We have more freedom of action if we do it alone than if we go through NATO procedures. It would be even worse at EU level. If we do it alone, it's more efficient in military terms" (3). Please note though, this Colonel does not represent the entire views of France.

The real question is:
To what extent does the success of the campaign in Mali by France influence the national security and military intervention of member countries of NATO?



1. http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/14/16506741-why-france-is-taking-on-mali-extremists?lite
2. http://world.time.com/2013/01/22/dispatch-from-malis-frontlines-france-wins-first-round-of-the-war-but-now-what/#ixzz2J3Lf9pam
3. http://euobserver.com/defence/118858

Albania, NATO, MAMA RUSSIA

In this sub-post I want to talk about the Political Affairs Committee and extremley briefly  gloss over  the  first three points of the Agenda at the Model NATO Conference. Just so you know, the CIA WORLD FACTBOOK is spectacular: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/al.html

Albania's largest trading partners are Italy (45%), China (8%), Turkey (6%), Greece (5%), Spain (5%), India (5%) 

I. NATO Enlargement

First off, (I know Wiki isn't credited) BUT this is a great way to get some good resources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enlargement_of_NATO

I highly doubt we could expand NATO to China who is our trading partner. However, India might be a nice idea for the future. We trade quite a bit with India and they would be a great hotspot due to geographic location. They have military capabilities as well. We invited them in 2011. Read the above link for more information. 

Montenegro is supposed to join in 2014 if all is going according to plan. Maybe focus on Macedonia (Seeing as we kind of are all Balkan brothers and would support them).

II. NATO-EU Relations

Well, we aren't in the EU. We applied in 2003 and are still waiting. We did join NATO in 2009. We could play  up the EU relations in hopes of getting good cards to join in the future, OR we could stand up with our post-Soviet bloc and speak about discrimination. We did sign the Stabilisation and Association Process in hopes of reforming our country in order to be move forward in the process. According to the BBC the earliest we could possibly join would be 2015. (4) 

III. NATO-RUSSIA partnership

See, this is awkward. Really awkward since the 2008 Kosovo independence (this dates back to the Kosovo war of the 1990s). For those of you who do not know, Kosovo is a state located close to Albania with a large Albania-associated ethnic population that declared its independence from Serbia (former Yugoslavia territory). Russia supported Serbia. In the past, Kosovo Albanians were attacked during an ethnic cleansing campaign and in short suffered quite a bit that put our relationship with Russia into question.

Nonetheless, NATO was involved in this mission, something to think about: http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_48818.htm

Yet, in terms of nowadays, we are involved with Russia in the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

However, I would doubt we really want Russia really involved with NATO just due to our feelings over Kosovo and the bad taste we may get from the EU members in the future. 

 4. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1004984.stm

Other links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Kosovo_declaration_of_independence

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosovo_War

Welcome to the RIO Course Blog

Hello All!  Students will be required to blog each week about the relevant conference we are preparing for.  This can include information about the country we are representing, specific to your committee assignment, or it can be something critical for the organization as a whole.  Remember that the things you share in your blog are meant to help the group as a whole.  If there are any questions about this requirement, please see Scholar.