Despite increased calls from European officials to remove them, the United States today ruled out moving its hundreds of “battlefield nukes” from Europe, insisting that they must remain to ensure that Europe shares the “nuclear risks and responsibilities.”
The comments came in response to an open letter from a number of high ranking European officials, who said that the nukes were a Cold War relic with no practical value and were just a constant danger. They are also in conflict with President Obama’s ostensible hope for nuclear disarmament.
NATO Chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen defended the US position, saying the nukes remain “essential” as a deterrent. What the nations of Europe are supposed to need hundreds of nuclear weapons as a deterrent against, however, is unclear.
I guess we showed them who owns Europe!
If Israel is for peace and stop of all settlements, then US is for removing its WMD from Europe…!
I don't have a reliable number for the percentage of people against NATO in Germany, but I know that it is quite high. Such numbers would not easily be available in public since our current government would try to prevent publishing and even researching them. Otherwise Mr Westerwelle is one of the best friends of the US and tries to cope US politics here in Germany whenever possible. However, he is also aware of the peoples opinion about NATO and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and knows he has to do something to cater the people to be reelected. For me (and friends) it is quite funny that somebody like Westerwelle talks about this very popular idea of getting rid the old nuclear weapons. But people are already very much annoyed about the domestiic politics (catering the rich) of his party and he is forced to find some support. Westerwelle may become more quiet about this subject after the next large elecction in Nordrhein-Westfalen.
Ofcourse, this US and NATO ruling will damage even further their public appearance here in Europe and help parties who are openly against both.
W.
The latest poll one saw was that 63% or so of Germans want out of the US and NATO adventure in Afghanistan immediately.
Not quite as high as the percentage of the US electorate against same (70%) but that is what western democratic elections by majority vote are for, right? To see that the will of the people is executed.
Has it occurred to any European politicians that asking the Russians to join NATO and expelling the US has a certain logic to it?
NATO was dead in Yugolaavia in any case and is merely a corpse looking for burial in Afghanistan.
Take note – the toy box of our generals is getting bigger and bigger. Old toys, new toys and the world as a playground. 'So, shut up you little squirts and do as you are told!'
Puff out your chests, there is a new decoration in the offing, perhaps an additional star.
"…they must remain to ensure that Europe shares the “nuclear risks and responsibilities.” Arrogance on a cracker and the Europeans WILL eat that cracker. Cause you know, Europe is "property" of the U.S. of A. That's right. America won Europe fair and square. You know, WWII the really big one?