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posted by cmn32480 on Saturday February 18 2017, @09:14PM   Printer-friendly
from the open-yer-wallets dept.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, echoing his boss in Washington, warned on Wednesday that the amount of American support for NATO could depend on whether other countries meet their own spending commitments.

"Americans cannot care more for your children's future security than you do," Mr. Mattis said in his first speech to NATO allies since becoming defense secretary. "I owe it to you to give you clarity on the political reality in the United States and to state the fair demand from my country's people in concrete terms."

"America will meet its responsibilities," he said, but he made clear that American support had its limits.

In his speech to NATO defense ministers, Mr. Mattis repeated a call made by previous American secretaries of defense, for European allies to spend more on their militaries. His comments on Wednesday give teeth to President Trump's expressed skepticism about the alliance.

What's more, Mr. Mattis went further than his predecessors in apparently linking American contributions to the alliance to what other countries spend.

"If your nations do not want to see America moderate its commitment to this alliance, each of your capitals needs to show support for our common defense," he said.

Source: The New York Times


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  • (Score: 3, Informative) by Runaway1956 on Sunday February 19 2017, @04:14AM

    by Runaway1956 (2926) Subscriber Badge on Sunday February 19 2017, @04:14AM (#468852) Journal

    Dr. Mutwara's first language probably isn't English, but he's still a good read.
    https://southernafrican.news/2016/03/15/private-military-companies-go-way-back-in-history/ [southernafrican.news]

    You might do a little web searching on blood diamonds, along with the nations listed in Dr. Mutwara's article. I think it safe to say that the wages paid to many, if not most, mercenary forces come from corporate coffers. The mercenaries may bankrupt the nation that hired them, but their wages are guaranteed by a corporation, somewhere. With lots of money, and a little disinformation, much can be accomplished.

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