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Politics : Right Wing Extremist Thread -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: GROUND ZERO™ who wrote (32753)	2/11/2003 1:32:26 AM
From: sandintoes	Respond to of 59480

The final nail in NATO's coffin??? I certainly hope so, and do not give one penny from the US taxpayers... Does the Great Divide Spell the End for NATO? The decision by Germany, France and Belgium to protest NATO's plans for protecting Turkey in the event of war with Iraq has driven a wedge between the member states. The issue of a looming war in Iraq continues to divide nations at every level of organization. The United Nations Security Council, the transatlantic relationship and now NATO are all split on the best way to resolve the crisis. With France, Germany and Belgium refusing to support any NATO protection for Turkey in the event of an attack on Iraq, saying it would constitute a "logic for war" and a failure for diplomacy, a serious rift has developed in the organization. A nail in NATO's coffin? Daniel Keohane, an expert on NATO from the Center of European Reform in London, told DW-WORLD that the signs for the alliance are ominous. "This is hugely significant for the future of NATO," he said. "It puts not only the political future of the organization in doubt but also any military role it may have." He said the credibility of NATO has been put into question as a result of several actions, including the Americans' bypassing NATO in the war on terror and the French opposing the use of NATO troops 'out of field', that is taking over missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo. While at one time it might have looked as if it would be the Americans pushing NATO into irrelevance, it seems that parts of Europe have lost interest in the treaty organization. "It could possibly be the final nail in the organization's coffin," Keohane said. Position and role must be reconsidered "Keohane said it is difficult to predict what the short-term effects of the current division will be. But he added that NATO will have to reconsider its role, although in his opinion it is unlikely that France and Belgium will maintaining their position of opposing the defense of Turkey. But if they do, it will be shocking and it will quicken the process of NATO's death," Keohane said. Effect on Europe could be disastrous "The effect on Europe of this position could mean the isolation of Germany and could spell disaster for the transatlantic alliance. The Americans would have to go outside the UN with the willing 'Gang of 8' - the leaders that signed the European letter of support. The French and Germans, if they maintain their stance, would not trust the others and NATO would collapse," said Keohane. Although NATO has seen better times, Keohane maintains that there is reason for guarded optimism. The organization may be at the end of its life as a unified political and military alliance, but by embracing change in an ever-changing world; the organization can still be relevant in other areas. Reinvention to remain relevant Keohane said for NATO to survive, it might well need to reinvent itself as a peacekeeper. In the future, the organization may no longer be critical in matters of war and peace but find a new mission in preserving stability after open hostilities have ended. "It seems increasingly likely that NATO will not be consulted or trusted by the Europeans or the Americans to take part in any political or military situations," said Keohane, "but could be employed through UN mandates in areas of reconstruction." dw-world.de