Yesterday’s hearing was focused on the NATO alliance and the recent summit in Bucharest.  There were several key decisions made at that summit — including the invitations to Albania and Croatia to potentially become member states.  Additionally, I am grateful for the military support French President Nicolas Sarkozy pledged to provide in Afghanistan.

They follow in the footsteps of other nations like Bulgaria whose troops I had the privilege to meet during a recent visit to Kabul.  As co-chair of the Bulgaria Caucus, I am grateful for Bulgaria’s sacrifice.  I hope to see continued support from NATO members for promoting security in Afghanistan.  Al Qaeda is truly a global threat, and they have already perpetrated attacks on our NATO allies.  Any safe haven for terrorists is a threat to the civilized world everywhere.

It is important that we continue to take a renewed look at NATO and what role it is playing and should play in regards to Afghanistan, the larger Global War on Terrorism, and future conflicts.

NATO membership is predicated upon our collective belief in the strength and justice of democratic government and our willingness to stand with one another in defense of those freedoms we cherish.  This alliance has a long and proud history, and I am confident that whatever the differences between the member states, we as an organization can come together and solve the many security issues that face our nations.

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 24th, 2008 at 1:12 pm and is filed under Politics, Foreign Policy .