STORM2K

This just in on FoxNews; France, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium want to set up their own "defense pact", weakening both the U.S. and NATO, if not the E.U. in the process.

No word from Lichtenstein, Malta, San Marino or the Grand Duchy of Fenwick at this time.

If they do form this could it actually weaken NATO or the United States? Why are they doing this?

of the Franco-German plan to dominate the Continent politically, economically and militarily and to reduce the US presence there. It will probably make NATO irrelevant (not that it already isn't). In some respects though, this might not be all that bad for us as it would allow us to concentrate on our own areas of concern and would also convince those at State that we don't really need to count the French and Germans as friends anymore and grovel before them and constantly be polite to them.

Steve

It's about time that Europe and us part ways. During the Cold War it was nice to have us provide a joint security umbrella, but now NATO has no real purpose and Europe isn't really threatened such that they need us anymore. Of course, perhaps when they have to do things on their own, they might think again before breaking with the US on key issues.

This COULD offer the US a strengthening of NATO/EU nations within the former Warsaw Pact, especially if the UK maintains its present stance.

This is most beneficial, as the area from Estonia to the Black Sea would offer us opportunities for forward bases/concordats that would permit much more timely responses, if necessary, in the Middle East; while at the same time offer a buffer zone on the Russian border....a position of influence that Putin will have to consider carefully in any future dealings with us.

France and Germany can "suck it up" and live out De Gaulle's grand nightmare all by themselves...and a serious restructuring of the UN should follow post-haste, if not relocation.

The U.S.'s goal is not to cut ties but to strengthen and solidify additional alliances and agreements. No clippings are in the Game Book.