Your Turn: Should the U.S. Stay in NATO?
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The story
National Security Adviser John Bolton reportedly led a contingent of senior administration officials in an effort to finalize a formal policy agreement with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies before President Donald Trump arrived at a NATO forum last month, according to the New York Times.
According to accounts from five senior American and European officials who spoke with the New York Times, Bolton sent a demand to NATO Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison for NATO to reach an agreement before Trump took off for Europe.
The details
The agreement was reportedly completed ahead of the NATO forum, and achieved several goals:
- Against Russian objections, the military alliance would formally invite Macedonia to join.
- It would establish an Atlantic Command post, hosted by the U.S. in Norfolk, VA to coordinate a swift NATO response in the event of, for instance, a war in Europe between Russia and NATO allies.
- Allies pledged to build up their militaries and provide 30 mechanized battalions, 30 air squadrons, and 30 combat vessels, all ready to use in 30 days or less, by 2020 — a force to quickly respond to any attack on an alliance member.
The principle of collective defense – that an attack against one member is considered an attack against all members – is at the heart of the North Atlantic Treaty. Trump has questioned the principle on multiple occasions, although he has also affirmed his support for NATO in general.
The administration officials’ unusual move was reportedly an attempt to prevent a repetition of the recent G7 summit in Canada, when Trump refused to endorse a joint G7 statement and alienated several key U.S. allies.
What do you think?
Should the U.S. stay in NATO? Why or why not? Hit Take Action to tell your reps what you think, then share your thoughts below.
—Sara E. Murphy
(Photo Credit: iStock.com / vistoff)
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