[cynicom]

Cicero...

Have you ever contemplated the possibility that Russia not only welcomes NATO on its borders but might one day become a member for its own "self protection"???

[Cicero]

I consider Putin to be our ally, against both Muslim terrorists and a potential threat from China, and I favor NATO expansion. But allies never have identical interests, and it's wise to follow Reagan's advice of "trust but verify." For instance, even though Russia is our ally against Muslim terrorists, they happen to support Iraq because of past historical policies. And it's not impossible that Russia at some future time may grow unfriendly--just as it's possible that at some future time we may get another clinton in the White House, or worse.

For all those reasons, an army in the middle of Europe may be a useful insurance policy against unforeseen developments.