From Ivo Daalder, the New Atlanticist: When U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates meets with our 27 Allies this week, it will be no ordinary affair. Their focus this week: Libya, Afghanistan, and historic reform at NATO itself. It’s the first time all of NATO‘s Defense Ministers will meet since the 28 Leaders of the Alliance set forth in November at the NATO Summit in Lisbon a bold vision for NATO in a new Strategic Concept – one focused on 21st century security challenges. Secretary Gates and the Allies will discuss events in the Middle East and North Africa, transition in Afghanistan, and NATO’s transformation.
Libya will of course top of their agenda. You’ve read the news; this week will be a prime opportunity for Defense Ministers to consult on events unfolding in NATO’s immediate neighborhood. As President Obama has said, we are looking at the “full range of options … not just here in the United States within our own agencies,” but also “in consultation with NATO.” That is precisely what Secretary Gates will do this week – looking at ways in which NATO might help to address the evolving crisis and its consequences. …
Stay tuned … in the world of NATO and transatlantic security, there is always more to follow!
Image: ap%203%209%2011%20Robert%20Gates%20NATO%20hq.jpg