TOP NEWS

NATO's future
US may speed up withdrawal from European bases

The US is planning to withdraw troops from European countries faster than previously known, an American source told the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag.

Earlier in May, the Pentagon announced that 5,000 American soldiers will leave Germany within six to twelve months. The newspaper's article does not state how much faster it will happen or which bases are covered.

The plan will be presented to NATO allies next month, according to the source.

Security around the Baltic Sea
Economic shock for Russia if the Baltic Sea is closed

If NATO closes the Baltic Sea, Russia will lose around 830 billion kronor per year. But Sweden would also take an economic hit, reports DN.

The scenario was developed by the company Politea on behalf of the Swedish Armed Forces. According to Björn Fägersten, CEO and security analyst, such a measure would require some form of “extremely threatening military circumstance”.

– Russia could escalate. From hybrid attacks and nuclear threats right up to taking military action itself against some part of the Baltic Sea, he says.

Sweden would also suffer. According to the report, a blockade would be equivalent to the financial crisis of 2008, and Sweden’s GDP would shrink by just over 10 percent. 

Middle East crisis  Iran war
Report: Unknown attacks divided the Gulf states

The United Arab Emirates has had a greater role in the attacks on Iran than previously known, sources tell the Wall Street Journal. The Gulf state is said to have carried out about a dozen airstrikes from the early stages of the war until the ceasefire announced last month.

Among the targets were Iranian energy facilities.

All attacks were coordinated with the US and Israel, but are said to have concerned other countries in the region. Saudi Arabia is said to have criticized the UAE's attacks in talks with the US, and warned that energy facilities in the region could become a target for Iran.