Does Thomas even remember the original idea behind NATO? Can Thomas even recite who is now in NATO that we, the United States of America, are obligated to go to war if they are attacked for any reason? Albania, Turkey, North Macedonia... Does Thomas remember we assured Gorbachev that we would not expand NATO eastward when he allowed the two Germanys to unite and join NATO? We lied. Does he remember that the Ukraine has been part of Russia since Catherine the Great won much of it from the Ottomans in 1782? It appears no. In fact it was never an independent country. When it became one it also was one of the most corrupt. Still is. Does Thomas know or remember that the last two invasions of Russia came through the Ukraine? Hitler and Napoleon. The last time one out of seven Russian's died. Think about that. Would the United States allow the CCP to enter into a military alliance with Mexico or Canada?
Does Thomas know that Russia warned that allowing Ukraine to join NATO would prompt a response? We knew, Biden knew, Nyet means Nyet. But we, the Empire sought Primacy in a world that now has three Super Powers. Russia offered a negotiated settlement three times, twice before the war and again right after. The United States and Joe Biden scuttled all three. A million people have died in another proxy war the United States has had a hand in provoking. No mention of that from Thomas. Maybe he should speak with Jens Stoltenberg for a little refresher.
Note to Thomas, there are no winners in this war we provoked. Donald Trump, not perfect, but the only leader with the presence of mind to try and end a "forever war" that many want us to actively engage. Gosh, he must be a fascist, he wants Peace. It is time to end this war.
The problem is our foreign policy has been driven by the military industrial complex for decades. When one war ends, another war must begin, because military materials must be bought, must be used up, and then bought again, to feed the unending voracious appetite of these industries.
NATO expansion brings massive profits to the MIC because every time a country joins, it commits 2-3% of its GDP to NATO-determined military equipment. President Trump caused that to be raised to 5% of GDP.
What a incredible waste. But, hey, some people are continuing to rake in obscene profits, and that's what it's all about, right?
I lost track after 10 questions but i think the answer is NO to all. From a realist standpoint, until NATO expansion is proven net negative for the US, it ain't gonna stop. Other collateral damage is NOT considered.
They don't care how stupid it is, which it obviously is. The game right now is in moving the penalty for bad US policy away from the US to others. I am 100% certain the US will keep trying to expand NATO because it hurts the expansion targets, not them. Azerbaijan?
How is it that Thomas Friedman has any gravitas with any media outlets and platforms? But leave it to the NYT to keep Friedman"s irrelevant political punditry alive even if the clear consensus is do not resuscitate.
Elite Neocon Uni-Party crazy.
Does Thomas even remember the original idea behind NATO? Can Thomas even recite who is now in NATO that we, the United States of America, are obligated to go to war if they are attacked for any reason? Albania, Turkey, North Macedonia... Does Thomas remember we assured Gorbachev that we would not expand NATO eastward when he allowed the two Germanys to unite and join NATO? We lied. Does he remember that the Ukraine has been part of Russia since Catherine the Great won much of it from the Ottomans in 1782? It appears no. In fact it was never an independent country. When it became one it also was one of the most corrupt. Still is. Does Thomas know or remember that the last two invasions of Russia came through the Ukraine? Hitler and Napoleon. The last time one out of seven Russian's died. Think about that. Would the United States allow the CCP to enter into a military alliance with Mexico or Canada?
Does Thomas know that Russia warned that allowing Ukraine to join NATO would prompt a response? We knew, Biden knew, Nyet means Nyet. But we, the Empire sought Primacy in a world that now has three Super Powers. Russia offered a negotiated settlement three times, twice before the war and again right after. The United States and Joe Biden scuttled all three. A million people have died in another proxy war the United States has had a hand in provoking. No mention of that from Thomas. Maybe he should speak with Jens Stoltenberg for a little refresher.
Note to Thomas, there are no winners in this war we provoked. Donald Trump, not perfect, but the only leader with the presence of mind to try and end a "forever war" that many want us to actively engage. Gosh, he must be a fascist, he wants Peace. It is time to end this war.
Very well said.
The problem is our foreign policy has been driven by the military industrial complex for decades. When one war ends, another war must begin, because military materials must be bought, must be used up, and then bought again, to feed the unending voracious appetite of these industries.
NATO expansion brings massive profits to the MIC because every time a country joins, it commits 2-3% of its GDP to NATO-determined military equipment. President Trump caused that to be raised to 5% of GDP.
What a incredible waste. But, hey, some people are continuing to rake in obscene profits, and that's what it's all about, right?
He is among most despicable US Zionists/ fascists
Boris, Zionist are not all bad 🇮🇱, now fascist are another story.
You actually think Deep State Donald will stop any of the forever wars?! Lol.
You're even more naive and delusional than the NATO Expanders. SMH.
Hope not. We shall see.
I lost track after 10 questions but i think the answer is NO to all. From a realist standpoint, until NATO expansion is proven net negative for the US, it ain't gonna stop. Other collateral damage is NOT considered.
Get real. The Rules Based system, where we made all the rules, is imploding.
They don't care how stupid it is, which it obviously is. The game right now is in moving the penalty for bad US policy away from the US to others. I am 100% certain the US will keep trying to expand NATO because it hurts the expansion targets, not them. Azerbaijan?
Because he just repeats received wisdom at the time. In the 90's, it was well understood that NATO expansion is provocative. Today that is denied.
Thomas Friedman is a warmonger and a fool!!
It amazes me how people love to cast Russia as the "bad guy" in this catastrophe and absolutely refuse to listen to history and reason.
He’s Israel first…
Thank you for linking to that article by George Kennan.
Great catch!
How is it that Thomas Friedman has any gravitas with any media outlets and platforms? But leave it to the NYT to keep Friedman"s irrelevant political punditry alive even if the clear consensus is do not resuscitate.