Europe is a 'coward' on Afghanistan

[milmor_1]

Europe is a 'coward' on Afghanistan - Irish Independent

Europe is a 'coward' on Afghanistan

Friday September 29th 2006


THE American ambassador to Kabul has issued a stinging rebuke to European members of NATO.

Ronald Neumann accused them of jeopardising the future of the alliance by refusing to send troops to Afghanistan or banning their forces from entering areas with heavy fighting. Mr Neumann, who this year alone has survived two attempts on his life, said European nations must not turn "coward" over fighting terrorism in Afghanistan.

In an interview with German magazine 'Der Spiegel', he said some Europeans "obviously resist the idea that you have an army in order to fight. And I have very little patience for that".

He spoke as the 26-nation NATO alliance came under unprecedented pressure at a meeting in Slovenia to provide more troops to the multinational force trying to prop up the authority of the Afghan government amid a resurgence of Taliban activity. Last night, NATO defence ministers agreed on a major expansion of the alliance's mission into the volatile east of Afghanistan - by placing some 12,000 mostly US forces that are already in the region under NATO command.

[Caldric]

Ouch that was harsh but sounds like he has come to the end of his patience. I can respect that and I prefer a man there that can speak of the facts instead of playing pussyfoot with words.

[milmor_1]

I would agree completely, Europe appears to be operating on the pickey choosey form of politics, which is getting us NO where.

[Carnage_59]

Europe will soon be "Eurabia".

Europe does not stand for anything other than what is convenient for Europe. Europe has lulled its people into do-nothings because of protectionism of trade and a welfare system unequaled anywhere else in the world.

The UN and NATO have been "on the dole" from the US taxpayers' money for too long. It's time to tell both groups to get f****d.

[milmor_1]

Originally Posted by Carnage_59

Europe will soon be "Eurabia".

Europe does not stand for anything other than what is convenient for Europe. Europe has lulled its people into do-nothings because of protectionism of trade and a welfare system unequaled anywhere else in the world.

The UN and NATO have been "on the dole" from the US taxpayers' money for too long. It's time to tell both groups to get f****d.

I have to disagree with some of your points with regards to europe,

1. Europe does what is conveinient for Europe.

This can be said about any political establishment, including America, many times Europe and America have taken self centred options against others, nothing wrong with that really, as long as in the long term it works out for everyone, (a bit of wishful thinking there on my behalf)

2. Protectionism of trade, is practised as much in America as any where else.

3. a welfare system unequaled by others I dont see a problem with that.

4. The UN and NATO are on the dole from the US.

NOT too sure about NATO, as for the UN, the US is NOT the only one paying their way in the UN , I know Ireland has been paying her way, and so have many other countries. Indeed Ireland is still awaiting payment for some of her deployment of UN Troops from the 1990's.

5. I am NOT sure where you are going with the Eurabia statement.

Dont get me wrong I am NOT knocking the contributions of the USA (some of them way above what other countries attempt) but we should all remember that NO one country can throw stones or claim that they are better than others, every one of us (nations) pick and choose what we want to allow to apply to us and what we dont. It is human and national nature.

[Carnage_59]

Originally Posted by milmor_1

I have to disagree with some of your points with regards to europe,

1. Europe does what is conveinient for Europe.

This can be said about any political establishment, including America, many times Europe and America have taken self centred options against others, nothing wrong with that really, as long as in the long term it works out for everyone, (a bit of wishful thinking there on my behalf)

Hmmmm... that's interesting. Do you think it's convenient for the USA to have the lion's share (i.e., more troops and spending a lot more money) of having to fight terrorists?? How many have Ireland committed?? How many have other European countries committed??

Originally Posted by milmor_1

2. Protectionism of trade, is practised as much in America as any where else.

Really?? Well, I don't see America stopping imports by putting up bureaucratic nonsense like ISO9000 and such. A VP of Alcatel told me flat out it was there to make it more difficult for American companies to sell in Europe. Besides, the USA ratified the GATT and NAFTA treaties, obviating many trade restrictions. I don't see ANY European countries doing that.

Originally Posted by milmor_1

3. a welfare system unequaled by others I dont see a problem with that.

I certainly do. That stuff lulls people into giving up lots of freedoms and letting the government control their lives more and more. It stifles entepreneurs, it kills the growth of technology development and staggers economies. History has proven this time and time again.

Originally Posted by milmor_1

4. The UN and NATO are on the dole from the US.

NOT too sure about NATO, as for the UN, the US is NOT the only one paying their way in the UN , I know Ireland has been paying her way, and so have many other countries. Indeed Ireland is still awaiting payment for some of her deployment of UN Troops from the 1990's.

The USA pays over 29% of the total dues paid to the UN. We get very little back. Secondly, I've seen first hand how NATO spends money on facilities. Real ramshackle and not kept up. Facilities in Europe that are operated by the US military are much better kept.

Originally Posted by milmor_1

5. I am NOT sure where you are going with the Eurabia statement.

Dont get me wrong I am NOT knocking the contributions of the USA (some of them way above what other countries attempt) but we should all remember that NO one country can throw stones or claim that they are better than others, every one of us (nations) pick and choose what we want to allow to apply to us and what we dont. It is human and national nature.

NATO wants the US to pick up for its own slack, which seems to be the predominating attitude from European countries. Next time Europe gets its @$$ kicked, the US should just let it happen.

[jason3kelly]

When you quote europe, please exclude the UK! We stand by the US and despite what the politicians say, we dont consider ourselves to be european, we hate being labelled as such and call it old colonialism, but we are an island and should remember who our allies are. Nato was created to fight the warsaw pact, a now defunct organisation which never really threatened the west anyway! The world wants and needs this war on terrorism, yet they dont have the balls to contribute, France and Germany should be ashamed and Spain, we what can I say, one terorist attack and they pull out! We might be small, we might not be great anymore, but the british spirit will never die, we are used to being blown up and shot, so bring it on. Go USA!