NATO to fast-track rapid-reaction force

Associated Press ^ | Sep 18, 2014 12:23 PM EDT | David Rising

[Olog-hai]

NATO’s new rapid-reaction “spearhead” force, meant as a deterrent to Russian aggression, should be up and running with initial capabilities in less than a year, a top alliance official said Thursday.

The creation of a 4,000 to 5,000 troop response force, which will be able to respond to a crisis in eastern Europe within two to three days, was a key decision taken by NATO leaders earlier this month in Wales.

The force represents a calculation by NATO that Russian President Vladimir Putin won’t risk going head-to-head with the Western alliance. …

[ansel12]

Reality doesn’t seem to be your thing either.

Russia is the threat, not the victim, you are on the wrong side.

[ArmstedFragg]

and you’re projecting. Show me where I said Russia was the victim.

[ansel12]

I’m not projecting anything, you are defending Russian invasions as defensive.

Russia is the threat, not the victim.

[ArmstedFragg]

Nope. You’re attaching your own meaning to my words, then attacking the meaning you invented. Classic strawman tactic, and not worth the effort of further reply.

[ansel12]

And what this will accomplish is to encourage Putin, who’s not unaware of Russia’s experience with military forces from the west, to increase his efforts to create a Russia-friendly buffer zone between Russia and NATO.

That is what NATO is for, to stop Russian invasions and empire building in Europe.

Russia is the threat, not the victim, this reaction force is the right thing to do.

[1rudeboy]

I’d like to see a 1rudeboy-friendly buffer zone between my neighbors and I. Can I go over and use his BBQ grill now?

[Jack Hammer]

I didn’t know any of that; my views of the Russian Bear are hopelessly out of date, and tied to the Cold War - when I was not yet an old, old guy.

Thanks for the education.