Mattis Threatens NATO With Reduced US Support

[Great2BAKnight2]

“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,” said General James Mattis during closed door talks in Brussels, where he was speaking on his first visit to Europe since taking up his job.

“America will meet its responsibilities, but 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 defence.”

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news...-general-james-mattis-defence-secretary-trump

 

[UCFKnight85]

Good. This is roughly 15 years past due. Many of these countries don't even spend 1% of GDP on defense.

 

[Great2BAKnight2]

Germany, Italy, Canada, and Spain are the biggest offenders. Put all together, it would take about $100 Billion in defense spending to get all countries to 2%. I have a hard time believing it will happen, but if the threat gets those big 4 to act then it's a win.

It will probably help with the sale of the F-35s too. Get some Lockheed Martin stock.

 

[UCFWayne]

Good, they need to start funding their own defense.

 

[UCF11and1]

Germany, Italy, Canada, and Spain are the biggest offenders. Put all together, it would take about $100 Billion in defense spending to get all countries to 2%. I have a hard time believing it will happen, but if the threat gets those big 4 to act then it's a win.

It will probably help with the sale of the F-35s too. Get some Lockheed Martin stock.

Canada: they don't care
Spain, Italy: they are broke and won't do shit
Germany: do we really want them armed? I actually wonder if there is a rule somewhere that says "Germany shall not spend more than x% without authorization"

 

[Great2BAKnight2]

Canada: they don't care
Spain, Italy: they are broke and won't do shit
Germany: do we really want them armed? I actually wonder if there is a rule somewhere that says "Germany shall not spend more than x% without authorization"

Yeah, it's not likely to change much. But I'd back up the threat. Pull out of NATO and see what they do then.