Mattis Is Right. Here’s Why NATO Is Not Obsolete

It's Not Obsolete ... it just needs to be reworked... and retooled...

Somebody told me once that NATO exists to keep the Soviets out, the Americans in, and the Germans down. We had 2 world wars last century against the Germans. and the second one included the Holocaust. Something that I think diplomats and officials are hesitant to point out (or admit) is that there is some benefit to European nations largely relying on the US for defense. It keeps them dependent upon us and gives us influence. It makes a third world war less likely to start in Europe.

Additionally, Europe is closer than North America to the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. So, having troops, bases or the right to use bases in Europe is helpful in dealing with problems in those regions as well.

We are NATO, based on the numbers, the rest are tripwires. Even when it comes to funding. President Trump is right, build up your military to be an effective force.