# NATO going down the drain?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nato-going-down-the-drain/155479>\
**Category:** Great Debates\
**Created:** [February 16, 2003, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nato-going-down-the-drain/155479 "2003-02-16T19:11:31Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Charlie\_Tan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/charlie_tan/32/12582_2.png) [@Charlie\_Tan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Tan)\
**Post date:** [February 16, 2003, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nato-going-down-the-drain/155479/1 "2003-02-16T19:11:31Z")

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I don’t know if this has been featured in American media, but according to [The Observer](http://www.observer.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,896573,00.html) the Pentagon has decided to punsih Germany for not supporting a war on Iraq.

From the link above:

> [@](#):
>
> ‘We are doing this for one reason only: to harm the German economy,’ one source told The Observer last week.
> 
> ‘Our troops contribute many millions of dollars. Why should we continue to support a country which has treated Nato and the protection we provided for decades with such incredible contempt?’
> 
> Another Pentagon source said: ‘The aim is to hit German trade and commerce. It is not just about taking out the troops and equipment; it is also about cancelling commercial contracts and defence-related arrangements.’

Then again:

> [@](#):
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> The Pentagon plan - and the language expressed by officials close to Rumsfeld - has horrified State Department officials, who believe that bullying other countries to follow the US line will further exacerbate anti-Americanism and alienate those European countries that might support a United Nations resolution authorising a war.

from the same source.  
Of course, the US can decide to have their bases where ever they want. But what does this do to the future of NATO? Will it break up?

Am I the only one thinking that the Pentagon (and to some extent the White House proper) is acting like a spoiled brat, used to getting its way and suddenly facing a big **No!** from friends and family?