NATO: 63 Years, 3 Major Phases

From the May 17, 2012, Chicago Tribune by Elizabeth Burn, Serena Dai and Ali Durkin.

I used to teach my kids about the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

PHASE 1-- 1949-1990  PREVENT SOVIET AGGRESSION--  Established in the aftermath of World War II.  The alliance's mission was simple--  to act as a shield against Soviet aggression and expansion in Europe.  It never had to take military action during this period but did act as a deterrrent.  The Soviet Union formed its own alliance called the Warsaw Pact.


PHASE 2--  1991-2009--  PROMOTE PEACE BUT INTERVENE WHEN NECESSARY--  With the end of the Cold War and the Soviet Union, there was no longer a threat.  NATO took on missions outside the geographic area (Europe) and began humanitarian interventions.  In 1994, NATO carried out its first-ever military operation in Bosnia-Herzegovina.


PHASE 3--  2010 AND BEYOND--  PROTECT AGAINST NEW THREATS--  To confront the threats of the 21st century, including terrorism, ballistic missiles and cyber attacks.  Today, nearly all NATO operations are outside of Europe.

Personally, I would like to see the U.S. pull out of NATO.  Let those countries take care of themselves and we could sure use the money better at home.

It's a NATO Thing.  --Cooter