The Western Balkans know that, in the long-term, they have more to gain from the West than the East – and the European Union’s continuous stalling leaves a void that needs to be filled. Stronger engagement with and on the part of NATO, regardless of how far it goes, will bring nothing but benefits to both sides and Europe as a whole.

The new French President, Emmanuel Macron, primarily focused on economic issues and the EU during the course of his campaign. However, rather than dismissing the concerns of Ms. Le Pen and her supporters as fear-mongering, he needs to implement a coherent policy to improve the security situation that is not just a continuation of the old, reactionary approach to the crisis.

Islamic extremism, which breeds terror globally, must be fought as an ideology. But Islamic terrorism must be fought and crushed wherever it shows up by whatever means necessary.

Rohullah Yakobi, who fled the Taliban aged 12, said Corbyn ‘ignores the role of Islamic extremism and its world view.’

These extremists and these terrorists are an enemy that without hesitation puts explosive vests around their own children. What makes us think they would stop at our own children?

In the years since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, pursuing Gray Zone activities has lost its luster in the US. However, examining assistance to the Mujahedeen in Afghanistan during the 1980s can provide lessons for Washington policymakers as they confront contemporary challenges.

The Serbian people are not out in the streets because this was not the election result they expected – they are out in the streets because they know what the result means for their future in the next five years. As things stand, Vucic’s win is a gain for stability but a loss for democracy – and it is high time that the two started being treated as equals again.

Over the past fifty years, the United States has increasingly focused on missile defense to deter threats against its strategic interests and those of its partners. Unfortunately, the acquisition and planning emphasis on defensive systems has resulted in a loss of attention to offensive capabilities.

Following an extended period in which Norway could focus its military efforts in the Middle East and Asia, Oslo is now having to face threats closer to home. NATO also has a major role in the defence of Norway and the surrounding region, but serious questions remain over the progress it has made in meeting the challenges on its northern flank.

Macedonia has been in political limbo for the past two years. The current protests can, at best, achieve a political compromise – the party in power may change, but the abuses for which punishment was called by the population will be forgotten, and Macedonia will move forward as if they never happened.