Article

2006-01-07 Europe

Archived material is restricted to Rantburg regulars and members. If you need access email fred.pruitt=at=gmail.com with your nick to be added to the members list. There is no charge to join Rantburg as a member.

Posted by Dan Darling 2006-01-07 00:53|| || Front Page|| [4 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 While differences with "allies" regarding Iraq are understandable, differences with respect to Afghanistan, which was foolish enough to attack the U.S. on its soil, are not. If NATO cannot withstand the pressures of dealing with a fifth-rate power like Afghanistan, it will become clear that it is a one-way street. In other words, it will be finished.

Posted by Curt Simon 2006-01-07 09:13|| 2006-01-07 09:13|| Front Page Top

#2 If NATO cannot withstand the pressures of dealing with a fifth-rate power like Afghanistan, it will become clear that it is a one-way street.

No Eurasian super-power to defend against, 50-plus years of US-provided military welfare, and what European military there is, is becoming more and more non-compatible. NATO is pretty much finished, except as a headquarters entity. Given what happened with Kosovo, I'd say even that's doubtful.

Posted by Pappy 2006-01-07 12:13|| 2006-01-07 12:13|| Front Page Top

#3 The Dutch learned from their experience hiding Jews from the Nazis. Unfortunately, they learned to always support those persecuted -- rightfully or wrongfully -- by The Man. The famiy that hid my mother and several others from the Nazis have taken in every "refugee" that came down the pike since then, only giving up their little hobby when the husband had a series of mini-strokes that permanently incapacitated him. In recent correspondence (my mother lost contact with them after emigrating to the U.S. in 1946, and recently found them again after contacting the Dutch fraternity that had hidden her parents to give them a copy of my grandmother's memoirs)they freely insulted the President of my mother's adopted country and the willingness of my mother's adopted people to wage actual war against Islamic terrorists, instead of offering their poor aid and comfort -- which they positioned as the only moral choice on offer. My mother, the soul of politeness, has not bothered to contradict their self-rightous self-congratulation on the subject.

Posted by trailing wife 2006-01-07 19:45|| 2006-01-07 19:45|| Front Page Top

#4 wow! Too bad I don't smoke pot because that is really deep! All that I can say, TW, is that God works in mysterious ways and I hope those that they continue to shelter do as well as your family has done. She gets a pass in my book :-)

Posted by 2b 2006-01-07 21:20|| 2006-01-07 21:20|| Front Page Top

#5 Your mom is a saint. The Dutch performed herioc act for complete strangers during WWII. While stationed in Germany I hear a number of stories like your mom's. I remember being part of the rescue mission when they surrendered to the Serbs without a fight in the Balkans, Clinton failed to let us execute and they were eventually released minus their tanks and weapons. I only hope when we need them they will be there.

Posted by 49 Pan">49 Pan 2006-01-07 21:25|| 2006-01-07 21:25|| Front Page Top

#6 That and I wish Frank would put spell and grammer check on this site! LOL

Posted by 49 Pan">49 Pan 2006-01-07 21:27|| 2006-01-07 21:27|| Front Page Top

#7 Frank? Fred?

Posted by Frank G">Frank G 2006-01-07 21:39|| 2006-01-07 21:39|| Front Page Top

#8 Every time we discuss the Dutch I have flashbacks to Amsterdam. Then My speach slurrs I get paranoid and can't tell Frank from Fred. I'm gonna eat some chips and sleep this off!

Posted by 49 Pan">49 Pan 2006-01-07 22:13|| 2006-01-07 22:13|| Front Page Top

#9 Why pay for insurance when Uncle Sam will always come to the rescue? Especially now, when the Uncle has vanquished the bear.

PS. Fred, this thread is missing the comments link.

Posted by ed 2006-01-08 18:42|| 2006-01-08 18:42|| Front Page Top

21:58 Vince Watkins
21:44 Vince Watkins
21:20 Vince Watkins
22:13 Vince Watkins
23:32 Steve White
23:28 .com
23:23 .com
23:17 xbalanke
22:56 2b
22:55 2b
22:42 Fred
22:34 Pappy
22:24 2b
22:22 mom
22:21 TomAnon
22:19 Rafael
22:18 mom
22:17 Qwerty
22:14 Paul Moloney
22:13 49 Pan
22:11 mom
22:09 Rafael
22:08 mom (Chicago expat)
22:06 Frank G