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Biden declares America, trans-Atlantic alliance 'back'

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By Sebastian Smith

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Another area is NATO commitment to counter terrorism.

There is not published breakdown of shared costs.

https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_77646.htm

US is a key player in the area.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Zichi, I attempted to monetize all NATO members individual expenditure as a research project 2011.

However frankly I gave up.

One area was, local expenditure commitments spread across over 16 difference conventional force variants,

Rendering breakdown to define a number to finance sufficient munitions to defend a contiguous line were indissociable to how reserves were spread across real time.

There was also the funneling of cost of separate expenditure for financing rehearsed deployments for reinforcements.

I think in all honestly, Governments of all shapes and sizes, political really don’t want the actual numbers in the public domain.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

The address to the annual Munich Security Conference -- held by video link because of the COVID-19 pandemic -- dovetailed with German Chancellor Angela Merkel's welcoming of a return to "multilateralism"

Yep..America last..Multilateralism first..

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

If a war occurs on NATO soil European cities will devastated and European casualties will be in the millions while the US will be largely insulated from the direct horrors of combat. One sided alliance indeed!

Yes indeed.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

Presidents should not be writing executive orders! Writing laws is a power reserved for Congress. However, a divided Congress cannot agree on anything and has more often than not abdicated their constitutional authority to the Legislative Branch while Presidents, fed up with Congressional paralysis, resort to executive orders essentially daring Congress to stop them.

Ever since the Republicans started their campaign of obstruction (rather than opposition, working together towards similar goals), it's become impossible for laws to be created any other way than through executive order. Look at the bi-partisan immigration laws written up during Obama's administration - the right refused to hold a vote, and the bills died. Then they gained power, they blamed the democrats for a lack of immigration law.

America is a failed democracy. The constitution was made under the idea that the government would work together towards a common goal. The founders weren't smart enough to realize that they needed to also write a constitution that dealt with situations where parties decided they are going to obstruct, rather than oppose.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

That's cheery news. Though he should state it for what it actually represents: Pax Americana. Especially to the people of Libya, Iraq, Honduras, Venezuela, Syria, Afghanistan and other nations that have been the 'focus' of the one indispensable nation and what Hunter S. Thompson dubbed, the greatest menace since the Roman Empire.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

One sided alliance....that benefits them...guess so.

If a war occurs on NATO soil European cities will devastated and European casualties will be in the millions while the US will be largely insulated from the direct horrors of combat. One sided alliance indeed!

6 ( +6 / -0 )

An "America Last" policy is good news for the rest of the world.

Yes, because they don't have to worry about any wars or losing people, so it is great news for the rest of the world.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Impressive. Trump wrote executive orders at a faster pace than any president before him. The Democrats appear to be learning from Republican strategy! Well done Biden.

Presidents should not be writing executive orders! Writing laws is a power reserved for Congress. However, a divided Congress cannot agree on anything and has more often than not abdicated their constitutional authority to the Legislative Branch while Presidents, fed up with Congressional paralysis, resort to executive orders essentially daring Congress to stop them. It is a toxic dynamic. The Supreme Court should put a stop to all of it but they won't as they seem reluctant to insert themselves into disputes between the other two branches.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

An "America Last" policy is good news for the rest of the world.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

During the Trump term, Putin has made a massive military hardware upgrade with many new advanced weapons.

Russia does a good job of salesmanship but they haven't advanced the state of the art as much as you might think. Their air launched "hypersonic cruise missile" isn't a cruise missile at all. It is nothing more than their Iskander surface to surface ballistic missile hung from an airplane. Cruise missiles have air breathing engines, not rocket motors. The US has brought on line LRASM and is producing new advanced versions of Tomahawk including an anti-ship version. Their SU-57 is in no way comparable to the F-22 or F-35 and the USAF just revealed they have been testing a new 6th Gen fighter they are calling NGAD for Next Generation Air Dominance that is close to a production decision. Russia has nothing like the big Global Hawk or its maritime recce derivative the Triton, or the RQ-180. Russia hasn't introduced an all new air to air missile since the Cold War, just derivatives of the Cold War era R-77 while the US developed AIM-9X, AMRAAM and just revealed the existence of a new long range air to air missile. Russia's navy has stagnated, it's weapons and sensors two decades behind the US and EU navies. They haven't built anything larger than a frigate since the Cold War. The have nothing even remotely comparable to Aegis (China does however). Their hard luck aircraft carrier remains out of service for lack of a suitable dry dock after the last one sank right out from under her and was lost, followed by a big fire. Their new tank has had major developmental problems and is not in volume production as a result. Their new armored personnel carrier reportedly was defeated by Syrian rebels in its first combat outing.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

India, China and Russia have made public relations coups by jumping in and supplying Central and South America, The Balkan countries, much of Asia and Africa.

But, Putin. And Xi!

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Glad to have a president that actually values democracy and understands the importance of alliances.

One sided alliance....that benefits them...guess so.

Interesting that Trump supporters and Putin share the same views on NATO....coincidence? Hmmmmm.....

Like Trump winning re-election? Like Durham bringing the hammer to Mueller and the Deep State? Like the rest of your predictions that have turned out to be incorrect?

More like the House and that’s looking better for the GOP with each passing day.

Sure it is - you have McConnell calling Trump a cancer on the party and Trump calling him a political hack...

Then there's that great Repub example of a Senator, Ted CanCruz...

Repubs are in great shape...

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Biden is writing executive orders at a record pace. That means he is going around democracy at a faster rate than any other president in history

Impressive. Trump wrote executive orders at a faster pace than any president before him. The Democrats appear to be learning from Republican strategy! Well done Biden.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

In this century wars were started by republican presidents.

And Biden supported everyone of them. And the wars started by the Obama-Biden administration in Syria and Libya.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

European countries are worried about Russia, Asian countries are worried about China, and both Europe and Asia are worried the US will be more focused on one or the other. Meanwhile, there are some in the US who are worried about the US and the crisis south of the US border. SMH, meanwhile Biden wakes up with, "where am I, how did I get here?"

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

zichi, this BBC article springs to mind.

I believe the BBC still to be a quality independent reliable source.

What does the US contribute to NATO in Europe?

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-44717074

US commitment is comprehensive and far reaching.

May I suggest at present irreplaceable.

Have a quick squint at this piece from DW.....2020

How will Europe guarantee its security without the US?

https://www.dw.com/en/how-will-europe-guarantee-its-security-without-the-us/a-53881805

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

The importance of diplomacy in Europe by the USA is a no brainer, but if like Trump, you actually are a no brainer, then it's better to have someone who can critically think the situation as President.

Go Biden Go!

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Glad to have a president that actually values democracy and understands the importance of alliances.

One sided alliance....that benefits them...guess so.

Like Trump winning re-election? Like Durham bringing the hammer to Mueller and the Deep State? Like the rest of your predictions that have turned out to be incorrect?

More like the House and that’s looking better for the GOP with each passing day.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

All a bit lame. But what was promised.

‘let’s see how “back” America is.

Hopeful but not optimistic

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The fours years of chaos, hate, and utter incompetence of the Trump administration have been relegated to the ash heap of history...

Now it it is time to re-energize working with our democratic allies and friends - and no longer coddling dictators and tyrants...

3 ( +6 / -3 )

This alliance/partnership mainstay, must be built on common interests and trust.

Russia has retained a state if the art, impressive highly effective strategic combined multi force built on mobility and firepower.

The stationing of these forces are close to its borders, on a state of readiness to obtain maximum advantage in moving mechanized artillery with speed and efficiency.

One could rightly argue, point out, there is nothing to suggest that Russian aggression against NATO is imminent,

However the threat remains. Especially if the Russian Government views EU presence, peering over the borders as a ever growing threat.  

The one aspect, Joe Biden processes is diplomacy over harsh rhetoric, so a means to nag Europe into contributing an equal share of the responsibilities.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

zichi, Russia pays less towards defense than the EU. What possible threat are they to the combined forces of NATO? If they take any ground they would be at risk of invasion to their motherland.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Let’s be clear the US contribution to European defence is more than one third of the entire German defence budget.

Without the US, NATO would be a meaningless irrelevance.

The harsh truth is EU 27 member states plus the UK are unwilling as much as unable to guarantee their citizens security on which they rely.

There are also prevailing structural and geopolitical obstacles, Germany Nord Stream 2 pipeline could have a detrimental effect on European energy security, a future means for Russian Federation to conduct hybrid warfare.

Then as the Government of China is sinking to new depths of human rights abuses, threatening/bullying neighbors in the South China Sea. Only for the EU to sign and enter into an investment/trade agreement.  

EU – China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI): list of sections

https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=2237

U.S. President Joe Biden declared the "trans-Atlantic alliance is back”.

An alliance, I suggest is a tad one-sided.

Barak Obama, 2016 made it clear, EU/NATO members had to do more. pull their weight, that plea seem still to fall on deaf ears.

Obama urges NATO members to pull their weight

https://www.politico.com/story/2016/11/obama-nato-pay-fair-share-231405

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

Nice to see Biden rebuilding trust with our allies again. The Europeans are a cornerstone of America's global power and teach.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

Again, can someone point to me what in this article, explaining how Biden is rebuilding diplomatic ties with our historical allies, indicates that Biden is preparing for war? Still waiting.

Wait, it’ll come in one form or another.

-7 ( +4 / -11 )

America (the govt) should be friends with our friends. Imagine that?

While I don't agree with everything President Biden has done, I do agree with about 80%. The Democrats only have the house and senate and Presidency for 2 yrs. After that, there is another election and Republicans will be mad about something again. They need to get off their asses and pass laws that can only happen in that situation - QUICK! Don't use executive orders for long term needs. Start some Constitutional Amendments to end debate about Restricting Guns, Immigration, and National Health Care.

Don't be dumb like the Republicans were. Work the priorities. Don't think you have 4 yrs - that's just Biden, not the House and Senate. Senate is a 6 yr term - staggers so about 1/3rd are up for election each 2 yrs. US House is a 2 yr term. Dems have 2 yrs.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

And the US doesn't share boarders with either. Ergo?

2 ( +6 / -4 )

American and Europe need to be strong against the Russian threat.

Sure, go and ask any European about how much they are worried about Russia. You ever noticed that you completely ignore anything China is doing?

-2 ( +7 / -9 )

Thank the Lord! Adults have returned to US government!

-2 ( +8 / -10 )

Biden promissed $4 Billion ti Covax, surprising....not so much. US multilateralism is usually just "elites" that really wish they were Western European and want to use tax payer money to buy into the club as honorary members.

"Dec. 17, 2020  09:16 pm JSTPosted in: Poor countries face long wait for vaccines despite promises  See in context

COVAX is a UN effort, they need $5 Billion. I don't expect to see articles about the UN undergoing layoffs or G&A reductions in other areas to help make this up (even though we have heard the importance of this for the world since summer).

More likely, Team Biden gets a couple of pins for their jackets (and great articles about "leadership" (read $) by borrowing future US taxpayer's money to give and make up the shortage."

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Thank goodness we've got competent leadership back on the world stage. 

On Iran, Biden reiterated his pledge to return to international negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear program, but said "we must address Iran's destabilizing activities across the Middle East."

The Iranians WERE abiding by the terms of the Agreement, It's the US that backed out of it. And everyone in the world except for Americans knows that. It is US that violated the agreement now it is for US to stick it back together. And, if the Iranians really wanted a nuclear weapon they could have bought one from Pakistan's Dr. Khan when he went around trying to sell them 20 years ago. Think about it.

1 ( +11 / -10 )

All this talk about Russia

Denying 'little old agrarian Russia' is not involved in assaults on other state's democratic principles is something pro-Trump and other pro-authoritarians have been doing the last 5 years.

-5 ( +9 / -14 )

Biden is writing executive orders at a record pace. That means he is going around democracy at a faster rate than any other president in history. His idea of an alliance is for America to sacrifice for all and pay the bills so the Europeans will say nice things to him at global confabs. Authoritarian at home, push over abroad. That’s the Bidet Way.

-4 ( +14 / -18 )

"In too many places, including in Europe and the United States, democratic progress is under assault,"

He has got that right. Unfortunately, he is on the side of the assaulters. All this talk about Russia when the biggest threat to democracy comes from Washington, DC.

-2 ( +11 / -13 )

Yeah, but what if the Republicans get back in four years later and reverse it all again? Biden should realize that any return in trust in America is going to take at least a decade.

It's true. All politicians putting all their eggs in the basket of America are gambling like Bitcoin speculators.

10 ( +15 / -5 )

democratic progress is under assault,

Globally assaults on democracy are led by authoritarian states like China and Russia. In the US assaults on its remaining bits of democracy are led by Trump Republicans backed by their media and groups like Qanon, the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and dozens of other far right, white nationalist groups.

0 ( +16 / -16 )

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