N.A.T.O. - the American outpost in Europe

[Petri]

Northern Europe (Norway,Sweden,Finland) 2000:

In finland there was a while ago (this year)talks about joining NATO when it finally seemed possible to do so. Before, the S.U. pressured the contries not to join that alliance and instead cooperate with the S.U. Sweden and Finland decided to take a neutral stance. (Norway joined NATO)

Today, it looks like NATO influence is decreasing in Northern Europe. And maybe in the future, a cooperation with Russia seems more likely. (When thinking in aspects of trade and economy)

NATO (US) is, ofcourse, well aware of this and wants to hold a tight grip of the rest of Europe. (Why else would they put so much resources into the war in Yugoslavia? Clearly, they want to act as the worlds police and gain more influence.)

Anyway, in my opinion, NATO;s main purpose TODAY is to keep a "good" connection between Europe and the US. (And the rest of the world?)
However, the EU knows that Europe doesn´t need NATO anymore as much as before, and an fully European military cooperation seems more profitable. These are not just my ideas, there have been a lot of talks about this in high positions in Europe.

Well, what does this mean to the US? -> It means the US cannot affect Europe that much anymore in trade agreements and such. US will be a bit more isolated and a bit more a distant country than it is today.

Well, writing anymore about this subject is what I call uncertain and dangerous waters =)
Chiao!

[Nonson]

Beware of a N.A.T.O. being steered off course. A future correction of it could be disasterous for Europe.

[Petri]

I don´t think NATO will disappear over just one night! It will fade off, slowly. The way we Europeans want it! =) The NATO troops will siply loose their jobs or be reassigned back to US. (Those of them who are from the US)
NATO has just met the dark man with the Scythe! and theres no return from that, is there?

And what do you mean disastereous? Do you think Europe is dependant of the US? That is certainly not the case, although having good bounds with US is a positive thing BOTH for US and Europe. Noone wants to change that, but Europeans Will soon want to get rid of NATO.

Tough luck! =)

[Nonson]

Petri, do not be so impulsive. Your assumption that I support NATO is totally false. The sooner its disbandment the better. But in the mean while, it is the Hellhound that keeps the Europeans from each others throats. Or do you affirm your belief in the changing of the peoples' prejudices and hatreds since the 40's and 50's? What Europenas want is one thing; what they get is another thing entirely. At the present time, Europeans, as a people, have neither direct nor indirect control of the forces that is shaping their future. Of course, the pretense is there, carried around by the various political and military leaders, but there is no body to which one can match the face. Lastly, having profitable ties to the US might, in the near future, become an unbearable obligation. Peace

[This message has been edited by Nonson (edited 23 October 2000).]

[Petri]

Are you saying Europe needs NATO to "contain agression"? No way! It´s true that NATO has elininated the chance for conflicts between European nations but, that is the past. I.e. the EU wouldn´t even exist if there were some kind of bad attitudes against each others in Europe. So, YES, I affirm my belief in the change of peoples prejudices since World war 2 and the time after that!
(And besides, I LIVE in Europe, I know what peoples attitudes are like. Not just politically) Much has changed in Europe in the last 50 years.. ok?
Ok, now you probably think; "What about Kosovo" Well, Yugoslavia was ruled by the last diktator ever in Europe. (Slobodan) There may be more conflicts there but..we'll see.
But as for the rest of Europe; All is democrazy. Look at Tjeckoslovakia, when they divided their coutry to Slovakia and Tjeckia.
The transformation occured fully politically. No bloodshed. Would that be possible in the US?

You should know, mr Nonson, that the Europeans are very aware of the current situation and about their future. We live in democrazy and there is no hatred nor anger.

[Nonson]

Prtri, without a doubt this subject will be expanded over time. However,at this early hour let me say that I believe that your faith in the goodliness of the EU is blocking your perception of the ugliness that underlies every multi-ethnic society. A political and economic union of STATES is no panacea for the problems posed by such a makeup of peoples of differing beliefs, desires, and cultures. It has been demonstrated endlessly times that social transformations is brought about only through the correct application of armed forces, not through the efforts of bickering politicians. Peace

[This message has been edited by Nonson (edited 24 October 2000).]

[Inga_Tepljashina]

Hello!
I just read your discussion and want to ask you, Petri, what do you think about countries like Estonia and Latvia that are dying to join NATO?!! Is this what you call "Deacreasing influence of NATO" in Europe?
It's been less than 10 years since my country (Estonia) got rid of Soviet military, and now politisians dream about NATO!!! What a noncence! Don't you think so?
Why in the world such a small country like Estonia want some other armed forces located in our towns??? Or is it just to do something against Russia? Even though, it's just like the moskito bite to the superpower!