NATO Nervous About Defense Cuts

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

NATO chief urges countries to halt defense cuts

BRUSSELS — The head of NATO urged member countries Thursday to stop cutting their defense budgets in response to tough economic times, saying continued reductions will compromise the safety of all of the military alliance's 28 members.

"It is of course a matter of concern that we have seen and continue to see declining defense budgets all over the alliance," NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said on his way into a two-day meeting of NATO country defense ministers.

"My appeal to governments is, firstly, hold the line, stop the cuts," Fogh Rasmussen said. "Secondly, make more efficient use of the resources we do have, through more multinational cooperation. And thirdly, once the economies recover, start to increase defense investments again."

The defense secretaries will consider ways for their countries to cooperate more effectively on defense procurement in order to get the most value for the money being spent. Fogh Rasmussen said that, in this time of austerity, it is essential for nations to get the best value for taxpayers' money — and working together is the best way to do that.

[meanwhile, to put this all in perspective]

U.S. officials have long urged that the burden of mutual defense be shared more equitably. A senior NATO official pointed out this week that the U.S. still spends 4.3 percent of its gross domestic product, while most European countries are dropping below 1.5 percent. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to talk about the discussions before the meeting had taken place.

http://xfinity.comcast.net/articles/news-politics/20130221/EU.NATO.Defense.Ministers/

Seems to me that a few pissant generals are worried the cash cow is about to dry up.

[^_^ 5,021]

... make more efficient use of the resources we do have, through more multinational cooperation.

Well, that sounds ominous.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

[quote name=' timestamp='1361463927' post='5994793]

Well, that sounds ominous.

More like they want to make sure they get those dollars while they still can.

[Caryh 5,206]

More like they want to make sure they get those dollars while they still can.

Or its EuroCode for have the USA stick more into the pot.

[^_^ 5,021]

Or its EuroCode for have the USA stick more into the pot.

The pot is American. What more do those lazy Europeon fukcers want?

[Caryh 5,206]

[quote name=' timestamp='1361546470' post='5997247]

The pot is American. What more do those lazy Europeon fukcers want?

What do you expect, they're all atheists. Per Danno, this is what we should expect.