How important is getting a solid NATO?

Answer 1

I'm disappointed by everyone here who is so quick to dismiss the usefulness of NATO. I'm active duty Air Force and currently working in a NATO assignment in Germany, and I can honestly say that the organization still has a lot of importance.

Who is shouldering the burden in Afghanistan right now because our forces are bogged down in Iraq? NATO, that's who. Who provided additional AWACS aircraft and crews to help provide surveillance over key areas in the US in the wake of 9/11 when our own crews were stretched thin? NATO again.

NATO is the de-facto military for the European Union, and as such, it's important that the organization is solid so that it can properly defend European interests. From a US perspective, having a solid NATO is of benefit because it makes it much easier for Europe to provide our military with support when we need it. NATO is also capable of taking care of some world problems so that the US military doesn't have to get involved at all (except for it's contribution to the NATO force).

Answer 2

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact, I think NATO has outlived its usefullness. This organization was formed right after WWII by nations who pledged to support each other, vowing that an attack against one member nation was an attack against all member nations...and at that time, all of the member nations were non-communist nations. Now that communism is for the most part dead in Europe and that most of the former Warsaw Pact nations are now members of NATO, I think it's time to close the books on NATO and call it a day.

Answer 3

Apparently, it's not very important. NATO has never been very solid, except when the US is footing the bill. Ever seen them do anything constructive ? I did see them roll up to take over for us once in Bosnia. We left, shots were fired and they cauht up within 3 miles !

Answer 4

its only important when they need the US help. they are fair weather friends.