Obama's Successes in Strasbourg May Be Costly for Europe

President Barack Obama achieved several victories in one week: most notably, what happened at the 60th NATO summit. France, with its military, returned as a main element to the alliance after 43 years. In addition, NATO’s new secretary-general was selected, despite strong opposition from Turkey. The opposition concerned his hostility towards Islam, in light of the publication of the caricature of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.

The American insistence to appoint Danish Prime Minister Anders Fog Rasmussen included assurances made by Obama to NATO member Turkey, that there is no risk in the new NATO secretary Rasmussen’s relationship with Islam. Based on the return of France to the military wing of NATO and this reassurance to Turkey, it seems that the leaders of the alliance believe that the East and West wings will be secure. This will provide an opportunity to deal with the situation in Afghanistan. The conditions in Afghanistan have been worsening day-by-day, due to fatigued NATO forces and supporting troops; as well as the situation in Pakistan, which has created vulnerability in the alliance. Washington was seeking to curb al-Qaeda and the Taliban in the mountains and valleys, but its attempts over the past seven years have failed to eradicate them.

During the NATO summit, Obama made the focus on Afghanistan clear. Strategies for Afghanistan must be developed with consideration for its difficulties in adapting, as well as the condition of its citizens.

The American president spoke about NATO’s victory as a successful mission against the terrorist organizations, “ensuring the security of our citizens”. There is evidence that the Europeans may have the will of America, and in turn can engage in Washington’s new strategy in Afghanistan. This entails two basic goals: sending more troops, and providing more funds for reconstruction; both of these will be difficult for European citizens.