NATO
West will not accept move to create Kosovo army
Thaci's renewed attempt to convert defence force into army will run up against Western caution
KosovoRomanian politicians will keep NATO spending pledge
The aim of spending 2% of GDP on defence for the next decade will be met as it unites political adversaries
RomaniaTensions will rise as Montenegro 'coup' comes to trial
Claims of Russian involvement in a coup plot are hard to verify but the case has major domestic political implications
MontenegroEuropean defence spending may increase modestly
US President Donald Trump insists that European NATO allies must pay their fair share
EuropeTrump uncertainty impedes NATO's Afghan strategy
Key NATO allies are committed to staying in Afghanistan to maintain stability, but Washington's policies are undefined
AfghanistanOpposition will probably not stop Montenegrin NATO bid
Montenegro will probably join NATO despite qualms of one-third of its people
MontenegroRussian treaty breach will harm US thaw and arms talks
Washington will find it hard to forgive a missile deployment that violates a Reagan-era agreement
RussiaTurks frustrated with US Syria policy will await Trump
The United States has ignored Turkish objections to its alliance with Syrian Kurdish guerrillas
Turkey
