NATO's post-Afghanistan future unclear
Editor's note: Read all of Security Clearance's coverage of the 2012 NATO summit in Chicago
By Elise Labott
As 60 world leaders descend upon Chicago for the NATO summit, the future of NATO's mission in Afghanistan will be center stage - but NATO's members also will be confronted with a bigger issue of whether the organization can remain relevant.
The challenges going forward are much different and far more complicated than the ones that faced the founders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization 60 years ago. Then, the premise was simple: an attack in Europe or North America against any member is an attack against all. The Soviet Union was the common enemy that created a shared sense of purpose among NATO allies.
Today, NATO's battlefield knows few bounds, with threats ranging from terrorism and nuclear proliferation to cyberattacks, piracy and disruption of energy supplies.
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the alliance has operated mostly away from Europe's backyard.
Missions in Afghanistan and over Libya have reflected a shift from a European defense organization to a global security organization that confronts threats before they reach NATO's border. NATO has also undertaken counterterrorism operations in the Mediterranean Sea, supported African Union peacekeeping missions, conducted anti-piracy operations near the Horn of Africa and assisted with humanitarian relief in Pakistan.
Read also: A user's guide to the Chicago NATO summit
This new global engagement has not always been popular with member-state citizenry, many of whom who saw the missions in Afghanistan and Libya as wars of choice rather than of necessity, ones that cost nations in blood and treasure and put unwanted strains on national budgets during a global financial crisis.
The decade-long NATO involvement in Afghanistan has produced what some have described as collective fatigue among European allies and questions about whether NATO should be involved in conflicts outside of Europe's backyard.
Europe's collective fatigue with NATO's globetrotting has often left the United States shouldering most of the burden, which is considered one of NATO's greatest shortcomings. The United States now covers 75% of NATO defense budgets, while the majority of allies don't even allocate NATO's benchmark 2% of gross domestic product to defense.
Sharp reductions in European defense budgets have only increased dependence on the United States.
Former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates left office with a parting shot to NATO by saying that it's unequal burden sharing could erode the alliance. Bemoaning Europe's lack of political will and slashing of its defense budgets, Gates said Congress was tired of footing the bill and warned of a "dim if not dismal future" for the trans-Atlantic alliance if Europe does not step up.
In Afghanistan, several NATO members did not permit their soldiers to fight, focusing instead on development work in quieter areas of the country. And in the recent operation in Libya, only eight members of the alliance took part. The U.S. decision to "lead from behind" in Libya forced members to use their military assets. Yet American aircraft and surveillance were still needed to sustain several of the missions, exposing troubling shortcomings in Europe's defense capabilities and reliance on US military support.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO's secretary general, has challenged members to embark on "smart defense," essentially pooling assets with the goal of developing and sharing better key military capabilities. While the United States seems ready to meet the challenge, the commitment of NATO's European members, embroiled in the euro crisis, is unclear.
Although NATO was founded with a pledge to unite a Europe whole and free, plans for enlargement have not been a priority. In a time of austerity, the alliance has sought to reshape itself by strengthening partnership with other states. NATO currently is engaged in partnerships with more than 50 countries in various regional configurations.
Efforts to work closer with Russia, however, have faltered. NATO and the Kremlin agreed to seek ways to cooperate on missile defense but have failed to reach a deal. Moscow wants a legally binding treaty that the missile defense system will not be used to counter Russia's deterrent, but Washington says while the system is not aimed at Russia, it cannot agree to any formal limits on the system.
NATO's reputation for years to come will rise and fall on the future stability of Afghanistan.
The alliance pledged to withdraw its combat forces by 2014. Before then it must train Afghan security forces to maintaining stability in that country. But even after 2014, the alliance's role in Afghanistan will not end and NATO has ensured ensure continued international support even after its troops leave. .
Still, once the mission in Afghanistan is over, NATO will be without a major operation for the first time in 20 years. Some argue that NATO should get back to its basic mission of protecting the homeland security of its allies
"Maybe we need to work closer to home and focus on threats to security in the trans-Atlantic arena in a more diverse way - cyber, energy, terrorism and infrastructure protection," says Kurt Volker, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO and now a fellow at the John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. "That might generate more public support than sending more troops to a place like Afghanistan."
In an Atlantic Council report on NATO entitled "Anchoring the Alliance," former U.S. ambassador to NATO Nicholas Burns argues that even that even though Europe must show more commitment to NATO's joint security, the United States can't "hand off" responsibilities to NATO.
"The U.S. is the essential member of NATO," Burns wrote. "It cannot 'lead from behind.' American leadership should leverage greater European and Canadian contributions but they are not substitutes for American involvement, purpose and power."
Europe has been the core of U.S. security interests since World War II. Before the 2010 NATO summit in Lisbon,Portugal, President Barack Obama cited Europe as Washington's reliable partner of choice in dealing with international security problems, saying the United States doesn't have any partners in any other parts of the world that shares "such close alignment of values, interests, capabilities and goals." Obama is sure to reaffirm this commitment when he hosts NATO leaders in Chicago.
Yet earlier this year the president also made clear the U.S. is shifting its defense policy toward advancing strategic interests in Asia and the Pacific as a "top priority" in an effort to counter China's growing military might.
This suggests a shrinking common purpose between Europe and the United States, which leaves pointed questions about the future solvency of NATO as a trans-Atlantic security organization.
soundoff (711 Responses)
« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next »Leave a Reply to pressure washing services melbourne fl
@natlsecuritycnn on Twitter
I'm not sure where you are getting your information, but great topic.
http://goldencirclewebdesign.com/content-marketing-in-sam-ramon-ca/
Usually I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You're doing a great job Man,Keep it up.
http://580washingtonave.com/content-marketing-in-sam-ramon-ca/
thanks for sharing!
http://activealert.us/content-marketing-in-sam-ramon-ca/
A great read. I'll definitely be back.
http://dailynewsviral.info/content-marketing-in-sam-ramon-ca/
Great article. Couldn't be write much better! Keep it up!
https://www.2findlocal.com/b/13263720/signature-window-washing-denver-co
such a great information for blogger i am a professional blogger thanks
http://italianrestaurantorlando.mpeblog.com/23121470/what-italian-restaurants-have-to-offer-that-others-do-not
very nice! Ireally like your blog
http://italianrestaurantorlando.look4blog.com/38646803/italian-restaurants-a-wide-variety-to-choose-from
Thanks for the information.
http://italianrestaurantorlando.blogzag.com/43803718/italian-restaurant-good-service-matters
carry on, dont stop
http://italianrestaurantorlando.blog2learn.com/46382743/healthy-eating-options-available-at-italian-restaurants
thanks for sharing!
http://italianrestaurantorlando.diowebhost.com/53585008/five-must-try-dishes-at-your-local-italian-restaurant
this is very informative and intersting for those who are interested in blogging field.
http://italianrestaurantorlando.blog5.net/40380171/favorite-foods-at-an-italian-restaurant
this is very informative and intersting for those who are interested in blogging field.
http://italianrestaurantorlando.blogofoto.com/29952728/italian-restaurants-perfect-for-sunday-meals
Thanks for the information.
https://www.christinis.com/
Usually I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You're doing a great job Man,Keep it up.Boomcycle Digital Marketing Offers Tested And Trusted Bay Area SEO Services.
http://business.times-online.com/times-online/news/read/41137738/Boomcycle_Digital_Marketing_Offers_Tested_And_Trusted_Bay_Area_SEO_Services
Thanks very much – muchas gracias!Learn Spanish Fast for Free
https://www.spanishtogo.app/2021/01/conjugate-ofrecerto-offer.html
tadalafil generic https://elitadalafill.com/ 40 mg tadalafil
tadalafil generic https://elitadalafill.com/ generic tadalafil 40 mg
sildenafil cost india https://eunicesildenafilcitrate.com/ sildenafil 75 mg
does topical https://alprostadildrugs.com/ alprostadil generic prices
teva pharms vardenafil https://vegavardenafil.com/ vardenafil prices india
how does vardenafil work https://vegavardenafil.com/ vardenafil cost
buy muse alprostadil urethral suppository https://alprostadildrugs.com/ ed medications injectable
sildenafil 100 mg best price https://eunicesildenafilcitrate.com/ sildenafil soft gel capsule
https://thesiswritingtob.com/ – uk thesis thesis writing service uk education thesis thesis phd
Best view i have ever seen !
https://images.google.com.sg/url?q=https://www.yamatocosmos.com
Thank you, I've just been looking for information approximately this topic for a long time and yours is the greatest I have discovered so far. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you certain concerning the supply?
http://google.as/url?q=https://posts.gle/FaTsydGwPrG8sewb9
I really like this post
http://google.co.id/url?q=https://goo.gl/maps/bDKYVuKajtBKA72h9
Interesting stuff to read. Keep it up.
http://google.gy/url?q=https://goo.gl/maps/hwAqB4KE4ybHPmDK9
Great article. Couldn't be write much better! Keep it up!
http://google.ae/url?q=https://goo.gl/maps/hwAqB4KE4ybHPmDK9
Great article. Couldn't be write much better! Keep it up!
http://news.dovernewsnow.com/story/288305/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business.html
https://kloviagrli.com/ – shelf life of viagra https://vigedon.com/ – buy cheapest viagra https://llecialisjaw.com/ – cheap generic cialis https://jwcialislrt.com/ – taking cialis https://jecialisbn.com/ – viagra vs cialis hardness
This blog is great check it out
https://www.scoop.it/topic/basic-steps-of-basement-remodeling
Wow this blog is very nice!
https://masterlocksmithstlouismo.blogspot.com/2021/03/commercial-locksmith-service-secure.html
Thank you, I've just been looking for information approximately this topic for a long time and yours is the greatest I have discovered so far. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you certain concerning the supply?
https://acrepairmissiontx.wordpress.com/2021/03/18/why-its-advisable-to-hire-an-air-conditioning-repair-service/
Keep this going please, great job!
https://www.scoop.it/topic/why-it-is-important-to-ensure-proper-collision-repair-estimates
this is very informative and intersting for those who are interested in blogging field.
https://www.behance.net/gallery/115710583/Tips-for-Finding-a-Collision-Repair-Service
Thank you, I've just been looking for information approximately this topic for a long time and yours is the greatest I have discovered so far. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you certain concerning the supply?
https://autobodyrepairraleigh.blogspot.com/2021/03/looking-for-best-auto-body-repair-shop.html
Wow this blog is very nice!
https://autobodyrepairraleigh.wordpress.com/2021/03/18/taking-your-vehicle-to-an-auto-body-repair-specialist/
Thank You for your information
https://diigo.com/0k2akk
I really like this post
https://www.scoop.it/topic/tree-trimming-costs-what-factors-in
Really very happy to say,your post is very interesting to read.I never stop myself to say something about it.You're doing a great job.Keep it up
https://www.behance.net/gallery/116097987/Top-Tree-Trimming-Services-For-Your-Home
carry on, dont stop
https://beavertreeservices.blogspot.com/2021/03/benefits-of-hiring-tree-removal-service.html
Thank you, I've just been looking for information approximately this topic for a long time and yours is the greatest I have discovered so far. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you certain concerning the supply?
https://diigo.com/0k01yr
https://ljcialishe.com/ – how to avoid cialis side effects\ https://cialisvja.com/ – cialis for sale online in canada https://viagraonlinejc.com/ – when to take viagra https://viagratx.com/ – does viagra make you last longer in bed https://buycialisxz.com/ – prescription free cialis
This is a very interesting article. Please, share more like this!
https://www.scoop.it/topic/why-would-you-need-tree-removal-services
This is a very interesting article. Please, share more like this!
https://christinisristorantefl.tumblr.com/post/646552041051865088/an-italian-restaurant-for-a-romantic-date
A great read. I'll definitely be back.
https://christinisristoranteitaliano.wordpress.com/2021/03/24/italian-restaurants-are-the-best-places-to-go-for-a-night-out/
thanks for sharing!
https://www.scoop.it/topic/why-italian-restaurants-are-great-for-special-occasions
http://essaywriteris.com/ – essay writer cheap cheap essay writers buy essays cheap write my essay for me
Wow this blog is very nice!
https://www.behance.net/gallery/115707363/Finding-Your-Favorite-Italian-Restaurant-in-Your-Area
this is very informative and intersting for those who are interested in blogging field.
https://midplains.newschannelnebraska.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business
Interesting stuff to read. Keep it up.
https://www.newschannelnebraska.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business
Usually I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You're doing a great job Man,Keep it up.
https://www.wrde.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business
such a great information for blogger i am a professional blogger thanks
https://lifestyle.1045thedan.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business
I really like this post
https://lifestyle.967wshv.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business
Impressive! Thanks for the post
https://lifestyle.rewind1019.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business
very nice! Ireally like your blog
https://lifestyle.xtra1063.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business
https://dissertationahelp.com/ – master dissertation uk dissertation help editing dissertation best dissertation
Im grateful for the article post. Will read on…
https://beavertreeservices217253079.wordpress.com/2021/03/17/choosing-a-tree-service-professional/
best i have ever seen!Hello, always i used to check webpage posts here early in the daylight, for the reason that i love to gain knowledge of more and more.
https://lifestyle.680thefan.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business
I really like this post
https://lifestyle.southernsportstoday.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business
very interesting , good job and thanks for sharing such a good blog.
https://lifestyle.967thewolf.net/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business
best i have ever seen!Hello, always i used to check webpage posts here early in the daylight, for the reason that i love to gain knowledge of more and more.
https://lifestyle.rewindmymusic.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business
Commenting on a blog is an art. Good comments create relations. You're doing great work. Keep it up.
https://lifestyle.bigtalkerradio.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business
Wow this blog is very nice!
https://www.americanrodeo.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business
A great read. I'll definitely be back.
https://www.wdfxfox34.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business
Thanks for wonderful information I used to be in search of this info for my mission.
https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business
I'm not sure where you are getting your information, but great topic.
https://www.wboc.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business
Thank You for your information
https://www.wboc.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business
of course like your website however you need to test the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very troublesome to tell the reality however I will definitely come again again.
https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/
You are my aspiration , I have few web logs and rarely run out from to post .
https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/
buy cheap cialis where to buy cialis in australia cialis in canada fast shipping
lpjxm 2zvbj 0yq7
qy04y ccru3 3w8d
where to buy viagra online viagra boys street worms is viagra covered by health insurance
does viagra make you last longer http://viagraonlinejc.com/ where to buy viagra online
Fascinating article!
https://www.orlandoweekly.com/orlando/christinis-ristorante-italiano/Location?oid=2292646
how to purchase viagra online online viagra sales sildenafil generic drug cost
cash loans jackson ms payday advance paradise ca loan from cash value life insurance
cialis forum australia cialis chihuahua coming off cialis
payday loan store locations london nab cash advance credit card cash advance stores near mason ohio
list of new payday loans payday loans in north carolina payday loan association of canada
guaranteed viagra alternative buy female viagra sydney delhi, india viagra
list of all payday loan lenders in the uk cash advance from american express platinum cash advance in gardena ca
generic cialis fast shipping http://llecialisjaw.com/ cialis 5mg
where to buy plizer 100mg viagra http://kloviagrli.com/ buying cheap viagra online
cialis sinuses vente cialis pas cher cialis how long to start working
where do you buy viagra where to buy viagra in sydney buy viagra toronto
canada prescriptions drugs pharmacy drugstore online cheap medications
cialis professional genetric viagra pharmacy
pharmacy on line non prescription online pharmacy reviews viagra generic online pharmacy
cialis windsor canada pharmacy cialis no prescription canada paypal cialis no prescription
canadadrugsonline legitimate online pharmacies canada pharmaceuticals
Earn 500 a Day With Our Passive Income System Doing These 3 Steps – Step 1: Get our ready made niche websites, Step 2: Setup your Paypal account. Step 3: Run our Unlimited Traffic System from our Free 850 sources of traffic (Approximately 35000 views/day guaranteed). Then in few hours you will start receiving payments without do nothing!
https://bit.ly/2QUG2bq
Super ED Trial Pack rx price comparison international drug mart canadian pharmacy online store
viagra for sale in south afriaca generic viagra 150 mg where to buy viagra toronto
usa viagra gold 800 viagra viagra next day delivery without prescription
best canadian pharmacies herbals canada pharma limited
cialis black 800mg Eulexin cialis цена https://impotencecdny.com/ – Cialis ’
viagra dapoxetine australia canada pharmacies/account viagra lilly http://erectilejyzd.com/ – Kemadrin ’