Would all help defend if Estonia were attacked?
In a recent poll commissioned by The Financial Times, the majority of German, Italian and Spanish citizens would leave the Baltic states to their own devices if the latter countries were to be attacked by a foreign aggressor.
Fifty percent of Germans polled opposed national troops being sent to the defence of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Only 26 percent would support such military action. This contradicts the Atlantic Alliance’s Article 5 mutual defence commitment, whereby NATO members have a legal obligation to come to each other’s defence.
Similarly skeptical about military support for the Baltic states were the Italians and Spanish polled, of whom less than 40 percent agreed to help defend the Baltic countries.
The staunchest to help defend were the French. Over 40 percent agreed to unconditional military support if asked. A majority of the British and Americans polled likewise indicated willingness to come to the defence of the Baltic states.
Concurrently a Harris poll indicated that 17% of Europeans consider Russia to be the most dangerous state in terms of international security. This is up from 4% prior to Russia invading Georgia. Previously Russia ranked well behind the US, Iraq, Iran. China ranked at 22%. Even in the US, 17% of respondents indicated Russia to be the leading danger to world peace up 2% from the month previous.
Observers say that in spite of the skepticism of Europeans – their reluctance to fulfill NATO obligations – governments have always made decisions about entering a military conflict independent of popular opinion. In fact public attitudes have mostly been against military action.
The stark picture of Russia bulldozing over Georgia may also taint the opinion polls. Observers point out that Georgia is not Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania, all NATO members, contributors to NATO missions.
In essence, the failure to fulfill NATO’s Article 5 means the disbandment of the Atlantic Alliance. Russia fully recognizes this and consequently vehemently opposes Georgia’s and Ukraine’s accession.
One must keep in mind that Article 5 does not address domestic conflicts. A NATO member must not expect assistance from NATO allies in curbing or controlling domestic revolts, uprisings, and insurgencies. Experts have indicated the ease with which Moscow can provoke public conflicts in neighbouring countries, providing it with an excuse to militarily intervene in protection of Russian citizens.
It’s an option that is openly discussed in Russia. Estonia would face this situation with her own military resources.
Our NATO allies (30)
Archived Articles | 03 Oct 2008 | Estonian Central Council in CanadaEWR
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The only joy in all this hoi-polloi is the fact that I can still enjoy the pleasure of sharing opinions with friends. The fact that one of two people writing under numerous different names should not deter anyone from coming here. I have always had the utmost respect for EE's policy regarding commenting, and I think that as long as rotten apples get tossed out, it shouldn't present a problem. In any case the shocking wowser about me a few postings ago is one that should be consigned to the dustbin of history. It never ceases to amaze me what a bunch of total ratbags show up here, and how totally intolerant of alternative opinion they are. They hate me with a vengeance, and then they are surprised I'm still here. As if I were here for their benefit! I think the general readership on EE consists of intelligent human beings, and it is with the greatest of pleasure that I turn up here to converse with these people. To my critics, better luck next time.
It seems that you're of one opinion with Maxim. You even share writing-style.
In any case, when you hire a lawyer, prepare yourself for bad news. He could tell you that it's in exceedingly bad taste to jeer at a freak, but it's not against the law.
In any case, when you hire a lawyer, prepare yourself for bad news. He could tell you that it's in exceedingly bad taste to jeer at a freak, but it's not against the law.
I don't know and don't care.
What's happened in this string of posts is terrible - regardless of who is posting. My concern is the threatening and vulgar nature of the posts. It's happened before and it's bound to happen again -unless someone stops it. Others have been dragged through the mud on these forums as well by name and by, I would assume, the same group. Unfortunately, the only way to stop this is through legal action.
What's happened in this string of posts is terrible - regardless of who is posting. My concern is the threatening and vulgar nature of the posts. It's happened before and it's bound to happen again -unless someone stops it. Others have been dragged through the mud on these forums as well by name and by, I would assume, the same group. Unfortunately, the only way to stop this is through legal action.
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