re: Latest Updates: Russia-Ukraine Conflict

quote:

---

The former president further raised concern in the West after he said that he would encourage Russia to do "whatever the hell it wants" to NATO members that do not meet the 2% defense spending mark.


If a country is unwilling to spend even 2% on its own defense, why should we be expected to send our sons to their shores to shed their blood in their defense?

---

I agree. If a country that does not meet its obligations then it should not expect us to come to its aid under Article 5. France is increasing its defense spending and it should meet the 2% threshold later this year. Germany just reached the 2% threshold. Unfortunately, most of the country's not meeting the 2% mark are in western europe and unlikely to be attacked by anyone or Turkey. Turkey should be kicked out of NATO for many reasons but since it controls the Bosphorous it does not have to worry about that.