Debate on EU army warms up

Washington Times ^ | 11/27/03 | David R. Sands

[kattracks]

BRUSSELS — A largely philosophical debate over the wisdom of a separate EU army is rapidly coming to a head in this city, headquarters to the European Union and the trans-Atlantic alliance NATO.

Pushed primarily by France, the EU force is seen by supporters as a boost to Europe's lagging defense capabilities and by skeptics as a direct challenge to Washington's dominance in the security field.

[mylife]

Chirac can rail all he wants, but he cannot succeed

[stylin19a]

I'm still scratchin my head re: NATO. Did they really have any other purpose than to deter the Soviets ?

Mabe NATO's time has past.

[mylife]

europe simply doesnt have the means

[mylife]

europe simply doesnt have the means


let me clarify.....France does not have the means!
my apologies to thr rest of the quasi european states

[mylife]

my apologies to the rest of the quasi european states.....I have to admit that was rude...but with an air of truth

[McGavin999]

europe simply doesnt have the means

They do if they can sucker the Brits into turning over their military to the EU. That's what this is all about, the french and germans both know that with 9 to 10% unemployment and 1% growth, the only way they can afford their own army is to steal it from Britain.

[JohnHuang2]

Ping..

[mylife]

They do if they can sucker the Brits into turning over their military to the EU.

I dont think thats happening.I think Tony knows we are the
Real deal.
Honestly...Chirac as a military leader??

[Skwidd]

I applaud the effort. Solve your own problems, Eurinals!

[mylife]

the french and germans both know that with 9 to 10% unemployment and 1% growth, the only way they can afford their own army is to steal it from Britain.

All of the proposed EU

[Jotmo]

The French are obviously trying to position themselves as the leaders of the future EU and more particularly its proposed military, and thus what they hope will be a world power to rival, or even surpass, the US.

Their naked lust for power couldn’t be more blatant if they just came out and said it.

Of course, the Germans are excreting so much drool over the same dream of power that you could sink the Bismarck in it.

[clee1]

Remember this moment - and that you heard it here first.

I predict that by mid-century, the US will once again have to go into Europe and kick assets - most likely a Franco-German axis this time.

[SAJ]

Maybe? No maybe about it. NATO was created as a counterforce (or at least a potential counterforce) against the Soviet threat against Europe.

Like all bureaucracies (consider, for example, the National Tea Tasting Board, which once, long ago, may have had SOME usefulness), NATO has lived well past its time of utility...but, you and I will pay for it forevermore, because no bureaucrat ever voluntarily resigns, and no institution will ever admit its uselessness. It's now just another ''turf'', and the supernumerary clots who run it are in exactly the same league as the janitors who sweep up the halls in the Pentagon.

With two exceptions: the janitors are MUCH more honest, and they actually perform a worthwhile service for the taxpayers.

[mylife]

I predict that by mid-century, the US will once again have to go into Europe and kick assets - most likely a Franco-German axis this time.

Agreed, I figure around 50 yrs till civil war or some other major upheaval.