Security & Defense

Rasmussen: Afghanistan Proves NATO Solidarity, Not Weakness

By James Joyner

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told the Atlantic Council that, while NATO’s Afghanistan mission shows some “very real problems” within the Alliance, the fundamental lesson that should be taken away is the remarkable “solidarity” of 28 diverse nations fighting together for a common purpose.

NATO Secretary General Rasmussen: First Major U.S. Speech

Amid administration debate over the way forward in Afghanistan, His Excellency Anders Fogh Rasmussen delivered his first major speech in the U.S. as NATO Secretary General at the Atlantic Council.

Rasmussen: “Things Are Going to Have to Change” in Afghanistan

By James Joyner

In his first U.S. speech as NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen stated that, while “NATO will stay” in Afghanistan “for as long as it takes to succeed,” the political and strategic realities make it clear that “things are going to have to change” and quickly.

Lugar: Energy Cutoff Equivalent to Armed Invasion

By James Joyner

Senator Richard Lugar argues that NATO’s next strategic concept must consider “unconventional threats such as terrorism, drug trafficking, cyber warfare, and energy manipulation” as “attacks” meriting Alliance response under Article V.

Lugar Wants ‘Boots on the Ground’ in Eastern Europe

By James Joyner

Senator Richard Lugar, speaking at the Atlantic Council, made a passionate plea for a stronger NATO commitment to East and Central Europe, including “boots on the ground.”

Senator Richard Lugar: Congressional Perspective on the Future of NATO

Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), the ranking minority member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, spoke for the Atlantic Council to provide a Congressional perspective on how a new Strategic Concept for NATO can best ensure the continued relevance of the Alliance.