Wed, Mar 31, 2004 - Page 6 News List

New allies shift NATO to Russia's borders

`EQUAL PARTNERS' Alliance fighter jets headed to the Baltics on Monday after seven countries joined the organization that had been forged to fight the Cold War

REUTERS , WASHINGTON

Monday's expansion has brought NATO nearer to the Balkans, the south Caucasus, the Middle East and Central Asia, all potential breeding grounds for the West's post-Sept. 11 enemies: terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction.

But the expansion could hinder NATO's ability to respond quickly to such threats because of its consensus decision-making.

This story has been viewed 2689 times.
TOP top