“What is the shape of NATO?”
If NATO is as encouraging to allies as this forum, then I would say not very good.
“If NATO is as encouraging to allies as this forum, then I would say not very good.”
There are real questions about Germany’s committment to NATO right now and it is a perfectly proper reaction given the gap between German words and German deeds of late. Too many Europeans are more than willing to fight to the last American and many folks on this forum, whose kids will be the ones called on to do the heavy work (not yours), resent it.
Germany is a first world country. It is the leading country of the EU, head of a political entity with a larger population and larger economy than the United States. It has a much, much larger stake in what happens beyond its eastern borders than the Americans on this forum. After all, Germany is the one dependent on Russian oil, not America - it is your policies the helped drive this Russian grab for control of your energy. You need to man-up and fix it, not because Anericans are encouraging you, but because it is your responsibility.
America’s landing planes and offloading supplies while Germans talk. A Berlin FReeper, more than anyone else should understand our frustration at another non-response by Europe (a la the Balkans). We supoorted you when Russian bears were growling at your door. Its your turn like it or not.
Remember, the Russians are taking Germany’s measure in this crisis, but so are we Americans.