The Pentagon has been spending quite some time trying to force NATO member nations to increase their military spending up to at least 2 percent of their GDP, with an eye on increases in US military exports to the continent. Defense Secretary James Mattis made it clear today the US is going to play hardball to get their way.
During the Brussels NATO meeting, Mattis warned US military support for NATO had its limits, and that if the European nations didn’t increase their spending their militaries, they could quickly find that US commitment being reduced in significant ways.
“American cannot care more for your children’s future security than you do,” Mattis warned. Several NATO nations have insisted they have no intention of getting up to 2% GDP spending, which would be a huge increase with no real justification.
Interestingly, particularly in the context of NATO nations having been attacking President Trump for being insufficiently hostile toward Russia, Mattis is also reportedly claimed that NATO nations were ignoring “threats” from Russia in their lack of runaway military spending, and that they shouldn’t assume US support is a given.
I highly doubt most of these EU countries will drastically increase their military spending, since they all know the “Russian threat” to NATO is a bunch of baloney. So I’ll be waiting to see if the US actually scales back their stupid commitment to them.
Gee baldric, I’m impressed with what you have learned. Thanks for paying attention!
The US will reduce support???? Whatttt? Nato IS the US and is essential to the US as it’s legitimiser for wars.
Trump’s childish naivety is being turned into a bluff by Mattis. It has to be because Mattis of all people is capable of understanding the truth.
We who are antiwar can only hope that the bluff backfires on the US.
Right?
If only the USA would reduce spending on NATO and go home, perhaps the Europeans could decide on who is their enemy and fight them without the input and bossiness of the USA. Russia is pushed could react (like anyone) and the USA would not be the target.