What's your opinion on NATO?

[Stefu]

NATO membership's a big issue in Finland (Well, maybe not that big, since few politicians, and no parties, are willing to say they support NATO membership, especially during the election year.) A clear majority of people (something like 70-80%, I think) oppose Finland becoming a NATO member. If there was a referendum I'd vote against NATO membership, too - I don't think it's such a big issue as the paranoids in the far left think, but the increased military costs just wouldn't be worth it.

What I was wondering is whether there's any support for getting out of NATO in countries that are already members, esp. European countries? Didn't France do something like this for some time during the Cold War?

[Gangerolf]

NATO is ok.

Didn't France do something like this for some time during the Cold War?

they pulled out of the integrated military command in 1966 because they wanted more independent control of their own forces IIRC

[St Leo]

France remained in NATO but insisted that French troops be commanded by French commanders.

[Urban Ranger]

NATO should be dissolved, being a relic of the Cold War

[Stuie]

Originally posted by Urban Ranger
NATO should be dissolved, being a relic of the Cold War

I agree. It is anachronistic. Dismantle it and build a new organization that recognizes the political realities and military needs of the present day.

[Maniac]

NATO is dead. Long live Eurocorps!

[Ozz]

Originally posted by Maniac
NATO is dead. Long live Eurocorps!

Do you really think UK will pick Europe before the US as
an Alliance partner?

[Arrian]

I'm thinking there are many in Europe that would be just fine with that, Ozz. Just my impression...

-Arrian

[Ned]

NATO is about the US defending Europe.

I am no longer willing to defend France or Germany or Belgium. These countries leave or we leave.

[DaShi]

NATO needs to expand to counter the growing alien menace.

[Gangerolf]

that's just silly ned.

you'll be friends again in a year or two

[August Borms]

Belgium should leave NATO, we'd actually be safer without American troops and nukes based in our country. (and American troops passing through the port of Antwerp every time the US declares war on a 3rd world country.)

[Harovan]

Germany should leave the NATO and close the remaining foreign bases. Even better, dissolve the NATO. It's a dinosaur anyway.

[Pekka]

I'm ashamed of our gallup results! But they don't think globally at all, they think 'we don't have enemies, let's not get them'. Fools.

[Wernazuma III]

Austria should not join the NATO. Neutrality is still a high value in Austria, and the current happenings show what it means to be NATO member.
No the the NATO.