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.
@natlsecuritycnn on Twitter
Found your post interesting to read. I cant wait to see your post soon. Good Luck for the upcoming update.This article is really very interesting and effective. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://airgunstoretx.tumblr.com/post/652319183597699072/air-soft-guns-perfect-firearm
this is very informative and intersting for those who are interested in blogging field. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://debtconsolidationcompanyfl.wordpress.com/2021/05/26/how-to-choose-the-best-debt-consolidation-company/
Keep this going please, great job!
https://www.scoop.it/topic/how-to-find-the-best-locksmith/p/4124776393/2021/05/13/avant-d-acceder-a-google-maps
Interesting stuff to read. Keep it up.
https://locksmithpaloalto223326104.wordpress.com/2021/05/13/different-kinds-of-locksmith-services/
Interesting stuff to read. Keep it up.
https://www.scoop.it/topic/how-to-choose-a-professional-roofer/p/4124774812/2021/05/13/avant-d-acceder-a-google-maps
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/119419791/The-Benefits-of-Having-Your-Carpets-Cleaned
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/119415651/How-Much-Does-Fence-Installation-Cost
A great read. I'll definitely be back.
https://diigo.com/0kj86q
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://radio-chalette.com/can-be-around-the-scalp-is-definitely-critical-why-exactly-should-my-spouse-and-i-caution-roof-covering/
Interesting stuff to read. Keep it up.
https://www.mariesbbqhouse.com/get-the-best-tea-products/
walgreens pharmacy burnt store road https://pharmacyken.com/ – Dilantin best canadian pharmacy for viagra
cialis lilly australia https://cialishav.com/ – cialis dosage recommended cialis 20mg how long does it last
national pharmacies pharmacy programs online pain meds online without doctor prescription
cialis uk no prescription https://cialisjla.com/ – brand cialis australia cialis soft tabs overnight
modafinil online pharmacy pharmacy tech training online world pharmacy rx
what is tadalafil used for https://tadalisxs.com/ maximpeptide reviews
buy tadalafil https://cttadalafil.com/ – tadalafil generic where to buy buy tadalafil tadalafil online with out prescription https://apcalisetadalafil.com/
buy cialis pills https://tadacipetadalafil.com/ – where to get tadalafil prescription tadalafil online what is tadalafil https://cttadalafil.com/
tadalafil cost in canada https://tadagatadalafil.com/ – buy generic cialis online with mastercard tadalafil daily online where to buy generic cialis online safely lowest price cialis
tadalafil order online no prescription tadalafil drug where to buy tadalafil on line https://tadalafilww.com/
tadalafil generic https://apcalisetadalafil.com/ – tadalafil order online no prescription tadalafil dosage best price usa tadalafil https://tadalafilww.com/
cheap generic cialis for sale where to get tadalafil tadalafil online cheap cialis pills for sale https://tadagatadalafil.com/
Best view i have ever seen !
https://images.google.com.kh/url?q=https://www.songmanhits.com
https://apcalisetadalafil.com/ tadalafil dosage https://tadacipetadalafil.com/ – tadalafil blood pressure tadalafil price walmart
https://apcalisetadalafil.com/ buy generic cialis online with mastercard https://tadagatadalafil.com/ – tadalafil blood pressure tadalafil drug
who manufactures cialis https://rcialisgl.com/ – order cialis online us price of cialis at walmart
does cialis cause cancer https://krocialis.com/ – is tadalafil and cialis the same thing? where to buy generic cialis ?
cialis eu https://ckacialis.com/ – 10mg cialis cialis american express
silkroad online pharmacy Brand Cialis ordering prescriptions from canada legally
Admiring the persistence you put into your site and in depth information you present. It's nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn't the same out of date rehashed information. Great read! I've bookmarked your site and I'm adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.
https://www.google.com/search?q=HE1BB99i+trC6B0E1BB9Dng+cho+thuC3AA+Fafilm&kponly=&kgmid=/g/11rbf61hh4
pharmacy price comparison https://pharmacyken.com/ – top rated online canadian pharmacies pharmacy app store
sams club cialis https://rcialisgl.com/ – cialis patent 2017 viagra or cialis or levitra
cialis free samples https://cialishav.com/ – cialis first time best price for cialis 5mg
lowest price cialis https://tadalafilol.com/ prescription tadalafil online where to buy tadalafil on line generic cialis tadalafil
avana drug buy avana canada
avanafil avana 50 mg
side effects of tadalafil tadalafil generic tadalafil online with out prescription cost of cialis https://tadalafilww.com/
buycialis https://ckacialis.com/ – cialis without persciction the cialis promise program
tadalafil generic where to buy https://tadalafilww.com/ – where to get tadalafil tadalafil lowest price cialis https://tadacipetadalafil.com/
https://apcalisetadalafil.com/ side effects for tadalafil tadalafil cost in canada tadalafil generic where to buy tadalafil side effects
side effects for tadalafil best price usa tadalafil tadalafil price walmart buy tadalafil https://tadacipetadalafil.com/ – buy cialis pills
combigan side effects combigan generic
where to order tadalafil tablets tadalafil cialis without prescription cost of cialis https://tadalafilol.com/
cyclosporine medication cyclosporine pharmacology
canadian pharmacy viagra 50 mg https://jokviagra.com/ what happens when you take viagra
brimonidine side effects combigan bottle sizecombigan
very nice! Ireally like your blog
https://www.okeyewears.com/why-do-you-have-to-have-a-hvac-fix/
where to buy cialis without prescription best price usa tadalafil cost tadalafil generic lowest price cialis https://cttadalafil.com/
canada rx pharmacy world http://xlnpharmacy.com/ muscle relaxant
orginal cialis http://rcialisgl.com/ brand cialis
cialis buy paypal https://ucialisdas.com/ cialis free samples
viagra / cialis https://rcialisgl.com/ genaric cialis with dapoxetine
otc viagra https://jokviagra.com/ viagra uses
cialis daily plus viagra http://llviagra.com/ should i take 25mg or 50mg viagra
Flexeril http://pharmacylo.com/ Viagra Plus
brand cialis http://cialisee.com/ what is brand cialis
viagra cialis comparison https://ucialisdas.com/ cialis lilly rezeptfrei
cloroquina clonidine hcl hydroxychloroquine plaquenil buy chloroquine https://chloroquineorigin.com/ – chloroquine phosphate generic
canadian online pharmacies legitimate canadadrugs pharmacy cialis online pharmacy
https://chloroquineorigin.com/ aralen for sale https://chloroquineorigin.com/ – chloroquine side effects hydroxychloroquine sulfate corona
viagra otc https://loxviagra.com/ – how much viagra to take first time viagra dosage by weight
canadian drugstore canadian pharmacy certified canada pharmacy online pharmacy canadian superstore
when do you take viagra http://loxviagra.com/ when viagra doesnt work
online pharmacy canada https://xlnpharmacy.com/ Cialis with Dapoxetine
acheter viagra a l'unitГ© http://llviagra.com/ samantha toma viagra
cialis brand https://cialisee.com/ – generic cialis cialis purchase in kuwait
cialis shop online https://rcialisgl.com/ purchase cialis
cialis and dapoxetime tabs in usa http://ucialisdas.com/ – cialisi online buy cialis
but cialis http://rcialisgl.com/ gneric cialis
internet pharmacy mexico https://pharmacylo.com/ pharmacy technician classes online free
viagra shelf life http://jokviagra.com/ chinese viagra
viagra einnehmen http://llviagra.com/ – viagra on line sito sicuro jГЎ tomou viagra
cialis 10 mg http://cialisee.com/ cialis forms
brimonidine side effects combigan bottle sizecombigan
google south africa cialis https://ucialisdas.com/ cialis online
combigan eye drops generic brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic
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.diigo.com/user/eastonsavanna
very nice! Ireally like your blog
https://photos.shutterfly.com/album/1698172424258072
mexico pharmacy order online http://pharmacylo.com/ online pharmacy 365 pills
Fairly high-quality explanation. continue the good work
https://www.turboimagehost.com/album/180149/locksmith_st_louis
Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, quite great article.
https://myalbum.com/album/Uu3wBMtru8vQ
Fairly high-quality explanation. continue the good work
https://www.screencast.com/t/30hdclqjql1I
such a great information for blogger i am a professional blogger thanks
https://photos.app.goo.gl/wb8cN6fVCnUFqU5j8
I really like this post
https://myphoto.eu/HirschKathryn/album/50676/
cyclosporine eye drops cyclosporine eye drops
Keep this going please, great job!
https://myalbum.com/album/b2XucjJuaK9m
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://app.photobucket.com/u/MercerGibson/a/3468d828-a9c6-4cef-aa72-3fd443992739
nice information for a new blogger. it is really helpful
https://locksmithhenderson.tumblr.com/post/651055373213679616/what-to-expect-from-a-locksmith-company
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://roofinghainesport.tumblr.com/post/651047692111364096/roof-repair-contractors
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.behance.net/gallery/119419791/The-Benefits-of-Having-Your-Carpets-Cleaned
this is very informative and intersting for those who are interested in blogging field.
https://hvacwarrenton.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-few-tasks-before-hiring-best-air.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://mydesignedlife.net/members/morrison27morrison/activity/142993/
nice information for a new blogger. it is really helpful
http://mehfeel.net/mehfeel/blogs/post/236456
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://endumbeni.org.za/members/artpeony75/activity/121839/
Imodium Secnidazole Clozaril
Wow this blog is very nice!
https://endumbeni.org.za/members/artpeony75/activity/121839/
I'm not sure where you are getting your information, but great topic.
https://diigo.com/0kiev4
side effects viagra http://jokviagra.com/ viagra pills for men
Lyrica https://xlnpharmacy.com/ Furosemide
cialis generic prices http://rcialisgl.com/ generic of cialis