Military Cuts Render NATO Less Formidable as Deterrent to Russia -- Helene Cooper and Steven Erlanger, New York Times
WASHINGTON — President Obama and European leaders pledged Wednesday to bolster the NATO alliance and vowed that Russia would not be allowed to run roughshod over its neighbors. But the military reality on the ground in Europe tells a different story.
The United States, by far the most powerful NATO member, has drastically cut back its European forces from a decade ago. European countries, which have always lagged far behind the United States in military might, have struggled and largely failed to come up with additional military spending at a time of economic anemia and budget cuts.
During the height of the Cold War, United States troops in Europe numbered around 400,000, a combat-ready force designed to quickly deploy and defend Western Europe — particularly what was then West Germany — against a potential Soviet advance.
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My Comment: If what the Russian news media is broadcasting is any indication .... they are not even paying attention to NATO. And as for the Russian government .... they are more concerned about what the U.S. Treasury Department can do to them via sanctions than what NATO can do with it's military assets.
What is strongest NATO or Russia?
ReplyDeleteIn the European theater .... no question .... NATO. On the Russian border and in neighboring states .... Russia has the logistical advantage. On the political front .... aside from sanctions there is no political will to seriously confront Russia. Everyone is legitimately afraid of it spiraling out of control.
ReplyDelete