NATO Summit Ends Without Combat Troop Agreement
Alliance Chooses New Leader, Discusses Future
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) celebrated its 60th anniversary with the summit. On the summit agenda was choosing a new leader, and discussing the alliance’s commitment to Afghanistan.
Danish Politician Named Secretary-General
Keeping with the tradition of a European Secretary General, Anders-Fogh Rasmussen was chosen to fill the role. The announcement followed strong objections from Turkey who argued he backed a television network sympathetic to the Kurdistan Workers Party. Turkish representatives raised a second objection over Rasmussen’s decision to allow the caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed to be published.
According to press reports, some of Rasmussen’s deputies will be Turkish. In remarks published by the Irish Times, Rasmussen promised to improve ties with Turkey: “I will reach out to the Muslim World and I will make sure NATO will cooperate with Turkey.”
Considered for the role was Canada’s Defense Minister Peter MacKay. Reports were MacKay had the backing of the Obama Administration, and was viewed as a compromise candidate.
Rasmussen is eager to take on the role, and hopes to lead the organization through a transformation in mandate.
Afghanistan Dominates Summit Discussions
NATO's commitment in Afghanistan dominated summit discussion. European nations refused to increase combat troops. They chose to instead send three thousand soldiers to aid with security for the election, and five thousand military trainers to help train the Afghan National Army.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper was unsurprised at the outcome. In remarks published by Canadian Press, he said it met expectations: “In fairness, this was certainly the maximum of our expectation.”
The alliance fully endorsed President Obama’s plan to refocus his country’s development efforts and increase troops in the country. Canada made no change to its contribution.
The summit continued its opposition to the proposed recent law that would allegedly legalize rape in the country’s Shi’ite community. In comments published by Canadian Press Prime Minister Harper issued the strongest defense of the alliance’s position: “It goes to the very heart of our value system and our engagement in that country and our opposition to the Taliban.” In other comments Harper bluntly added: “The alliance is not prepared to accept soothing assurances.” Harper reportedly has American backing in his sentiments. Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai has sent the controversial legislation to the justice ministry for review.
Other issues discussed included the admission of Albania, and Croatia to the alliance. The decision was made to resume ties with Russia, and France formally resumed its full membership after a 43- year absence.
Afghanistan is expected to play a role in determining the alliance’s future either as a European defense force, or expeditionary force.
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