The Current Threat of NATO's Conflict of Interests: The New Cold War
Posted: Wednesday, August 27, 2008
by Jennifer Cuddy
The
North Atlantic Treaty Organization ( NATO) consists of 26 members: 23 of which are European countries, 2 North American countries, and only 1 Eurasian country; i.e., Turkey. This basic military alliance, states that if an attack should occur from one non NATO country to one of its members, then this attack should be considered an attack against all NATO members. This means that NATO members must unite to defend the attacked member with armed forces, if necessary.
Bush's strong support of Georgia and the Ukraine to become members of NATO is not shared by several of the 25 members, due to the strain this would impose on Russia's relations with Europe. Russia's President Putin has already threatened Ukraine, that if they were to join NATO and to later join in housing installations for America's planned Missile Defense program in Europe, then he would be forced to target short range rockets on Russia's neighbor.
The U.S. Missile Defense installations came about in response to Russia's announcement of their intention to suspend the treaty on conventional armed forces in Europe. This treaty, literally called ' The Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, or ( CFE) ' had been established during the last years of the Cold War. In short, this treaty mandated set limits on military equipment and demanded the destruction of excess weaponry. However, on July 14, 2007, Russia gave notice of their intention to suspend this treaty; and in August of 2008, Russia announced their intention to suspend ties with NATO.
EU countries, which make up the bulk of NATO's membership, are dependent on Russia for more than 40 percent of their energy supplies. And it is because of this, that NATO is reluctant to accept former Soviet states, Georgia and Ukraine, into its Membership Action Plan. Can Europe risk becoming involved in a new Cold War?
The Russian Foreign Ministry said that " the consequences of the suspension of the CFE are the halting of inspections and verifications of its military sites by NATO countries". But isn't this Iraq all over again? Are possible sanctions placed upon Russia currently being discussed by NATO?
As we already know, our military is thoroughly engaged in a war against terror: which is predominately targeted against Muslim countries. We also know, or we should know, that Russia is a long time enemy of neighboring Afghanistan. US involvement there does not lighten the fury between us, but only adds more fuel to the fire in our international relationship with Russia. Don't forget, that it was the US who did support Afghanistan against Russia in times past.
In summary, Russia is becoming a very 'behind the scenes' threat to former NATO relationships and treaties. Our current war against terror has limited our capabilities to defend former Soviet States from Russian invasion. The European Union is reluctant to support any actions that might further infuriate Russia's economic relationships with European countries. Russia's current suspension of CFE treaties are actions which reflect a possible new Cold War against NATO. Can the US defend themselves from both terrorist harboring countries and Russia; and especially if the EU is reluctant to support the membership of former Soviet states into NATO? Is the US in a position to override diplomacy with the European Union, and continue its support of Georgia and the Ukraine? Is the US in danger of being isolated by NATO, and therefore, becoming very literally "on their own"?
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Excellent article, Jennifer. The international mess we currently find ourselves in is the very reason George Washington warned us against "foreign entanglements" in his farewell address. I'm not an isolationist, but I agree with Ron Paul that we need to keep our foreign involvement to a minimum and concentrate more on problems at home.True. In fact, I've considered ( and will eventually) writing an article on "Looking Back Upon Natan Sharansky's ' The Case for Democracy' ". Being the world's policemen is becoming more and more dependent upon America's shoulder. Too much, in fact.
Jennifer,This is a complex political mess. The biggest problem is our current lack of crediblity around the world and our military weakness due to mulitiple war fronts. We cannot negotiate or solve problems when we are vulnerable due to our lack of presidential leadership.Absolutely! And I think it is very odd that President Putin would have engaged Russia in this attack against Georgia, at this particular moment. All of these warnings from Russia have been minimized by the current election. And for Bush to spend his last days becoming involved in this, despite the lack of support from the majority of NATO, is setting us up for many multiple war fronts that we can not afford. We are so vulnerable right now.. China or Russia could very easily take control and align themselves with Muslim nations to herald the beginning of a very scary WWIII.This is news that needs to be highlighted.Hmm.. Not sure that it was Russia who took the offensive in this one. Were they defending the Russian occupied territories of the south against Georgia?
Oh, I'm sorry..I meant, Elfreda!apologiesOr let me put it this way: it is because the US is the leading proponent of a deregulated free market economy, that we are becoming increasingly viewed as the enemy worldwide. Now, it is just a matter of to whose side the EU is going to take. Global terrorism could be a reactionary response to this type of governmental policy. Will the UK support or defend this?
Thanks again,And no, the UK can't afford it, and neither can the US. But I really wonder why Russia is suddenly posing an offensive stance. What is their motive?And no, not Harvard educated, but nowadays, people can glean the same information due to globalisation. For example, you can download many of Harvard's course syllabi on the internet.Looking forward to reading another of your articles as well!Keep in touch,Jennifer
Jennifer, Yes keep your eyes on Russia and yes alla re not innocent as to why yet the real issues go deeper.Hi Robert,Yes, I think this issue will soon become very significant to the general population. I'm going to research President Putin further.Actually, I was just told by a friend from Serbia, that is was Georgia that had attacked the southern Russian controlled areas, to which Russia came to the defense of. Hmm.In any case, you don't want to mess with Russia or China. And we are very vulnerable. Either or are in pretty good positions to do anything that they wanted, really.
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