Britain pledges NATO commitment extension
British Defense Secretary Michael Fallon says the UK will commit 1,000 troops to the NATO rapid response force for another three years.
Fallon has said that around 1,000 troops will serve until 2021, claiming that “no country in Europe is playing such a strong global role…this step-up in our international defense effort is needed because the world is becoming a darker place…those who belittle our armed forces' efforts fail to recognize that our national security depends on tackling the causes of instability, not just treating the symptoms.”
The ruling conservative Tories have hailed the news, saying it displays their commitment to Britain’s armed forces and their response to global events. They have consistently mentioned Russia as one of the greatest threats to peace.
Yet Admiral Nigel Essenhigh, a former head of the Royal Navy, believes Britain’s response to the events in the Middle East have been “feeble” and urged the UK to play a bigger role in the region.
However, Fallon said identifying the causes of international strife is crucial as “it means using our soft power, diplomacy and engagement, to help weaker countries build stronger institutions and law enforcement, and to promote women's rights.It means using smart power, our better-focused development budget, on conflict prevention and stabilization as well as on disease and suffering.”
This is while, Jim W. Dean, Managing Editor & Columnist of Veterans Today, believes the UK seeks through such moves to jolt its economy as “they want to keep their defense industry boosted up.”
“So they have to keep public on edge that we have a threat that we have to deal with.”
LM/GHN
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