?Are We Just Peacekeepers? The Perception Versus the Reality of Canadian Involvement in the Iraq War?. argues ?there can be little doubt that Canada had the military means to contribute in an effective and salient fashion to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.? Sean Maloney reviews the nature of the conflict, the objectives of the intervention and the Canadian Forces? capabilities, availability, salience and effectiveness and concludes that Canada missed the boat with this third phase of the Iraq War.

By Institute for Research on Public Policy , Canada.

Defense Policy Resource.

Are reinforcing the ESDP and improving transatlantic relations compatible objectives?. "There are, of course, two aspects to this question: the political and the military. Reinforcing the ESDP would be fine politically if trust was in ample supply. The fact is that trust has for the moment evaporated not least between the two countries that are the likely drivers, the UK and France. The danger for ESDP, therefore, is that the French, German, Belgian and Luxemburger aspirations for it are being interpreted in certain countries as a long-term stalking horse to replace NATO. In spite all of the assurances to the contrary that emerged from the mini-summit in Brussels in May, which I for one did not dismiss, it is clear that France and Belgium in particular are emphasising an alternative to NATO, not an addition to it (and yes I did read the communiqué)." By Julian Lindley-French.

By Cicero Foundation, US.

Defense Policy Resource.

The Wages of War: Iraqi Combatant and Noncombatant Fatalities in the 2003 Conflict . How many Iraqis died in the 2003 Iraq war? What are the implications for stability in Iraq, the war on terrorism, and the "new warfare"? The report estimates the total number of Iraqis killed in the 2003 war, based on hospital and burial reports, combat statistics, and battlefield testimony from both sides. Uniquely, the report distinguishes noncombatant and combatant civilians. And it compares the experience of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Desert Storm. With two appendices: Appendix 1. Survey and assessment of reported Iraqi combatant fatalities in the 2003 War and Appendix 2. Iraqi Combatant and Noncombatant Fatalities in the 1991 Gulf War. By Carl Conetta.

By Project on Defense Alternatives , US.

Defense Policy Resource.

European Armed Forces of Tomorrow: A New Perspective. Models an integrated European Armed Forces. Addresses the conceptual framework, strategic orientation, key functions, posture, resources, personnel, and budget. Suggests that a viable all European force, as a complement to a foreign policy of reconciliation, is a feasible option for Europe's future. By Lutz Unterseher.

By Project on Defense Alternatives , US.

Defense Policy Resource.

The SORT debate: implications for Canada. This study concludes that Canada should support the American ballistic missile defence (BMD) because it would secure NORAD?s position and benefit the Canadian Forces. The author also argues that Canada?s involvement in missile defence reinforces its commitment to jointly protect and secure North America. ?Participating in missile defence would further demonstrate to our anxious neighbour and closest trading partner that Canada is serious about continental security,? says Philippe Lagassé.

By Institute for Research on Public Policy , Canada.

Defense Policy Resource.