I will never understand Europe's reasoning behind any decision. They are closer to the threat than we are. Are we repeating history?
Yup.
Europe has a history of trying to avert war. Unfortunately, as in the past, they don't avert war, they just give their enemy time to strengthen. If they were more comfortable with acting quickly, before the enemy can become a true threat, they would have enjoyed far more peace in the last century than they actually have.
But don't try to tell them that. They are the ones who understand the nuances of foreign policy. We're just a bunch of hayseeds who save their a$$es when their nuance fails..
Shalom.