Election Issues 2012: Research project and presentation Senior Seminar Andrew Baskin America’s Commitment of Troops Through NATO

1949North Atlantic Treaty Organization is formed by 12 countries, including U.S. 1952At Lisbon Conference, forces and plans are organized in preparation for Cold War 1955Warsaw Pact is signed by Soviet countries, effectively setting sides for cold war (NATO vs. Warsaw Pact) 1994After collapse of Soviet Union, NATO refocuses and launches Partnership for Peace Program, the role of which is to maintain peace 1994NATO acts militarily for the first time, bombing a Serbian military outpost during Bosnian War

2001Following attacks of 9/11, NATO assisted U.S. in the invasion of Afghanistan. 2003Iraq War begins, which creates division in NATO; many countries oppose U.S.’s invasion. 2010Membership increases to 28 countries. 2011U.S. and NATO lead military operations to protect civilians in Libyan conflict.

 After 9/11 attacks, NATO re-shifted focus to terrorism  NATO allies have been increasingly at odds  “A dim, if not dismal future”  Recent conflict and U.S. In involvement in Libya has produced backlash

ForAgainst Responsibility to protect civilians, aid in installation of democracy Installing democracy does not work (see, Iraq, Afghanistan) Prevent a possible humanitarian disaster Money is better off spent elsewhere Valuable source of energy (oil) NATO should use its power for diplomacy, not war Helping rebels could earn “significant brownie points” with conservative Muslims May be inadvertently helping groups such as Al Qaeda

 Obama strong defender of U.S. involvement in Libya; majority of democrats are supportive as well  Get rid of Gaddafi, protect civilians and democracy  Doubts exist concerning Democratic support of similar military operations in the future  Do not want to get involved in another round of “nation building”

 In past have approved many similar operations – Afghanistan, Iraq  Of strong belief that Obama misused power and authority to get involved in Libya  Have stopped short of requesting withdrawal of troops  Senator McCain most vocal Republican supporter – definitely in minority  Obama violated Constitution

 Supports military action in Libya, but strongly disproves of how Obama handled decision  NATO is important for America’s safety  Expand NATO to establish a “global military alliance dedicated to ensuring security and protecting freedom”

 Gaddafi’s ouster cause for “cautious celebration”  NATO has too much commanding power

 Strongly opposed U.S. intervention in Libya (interestingly voted against troop surge in Iraq)  Foreign policy goal is to win war on terror  Obama is “ravaging our military strength and structure”

-Associated Press. “Rick Perry in San Antonio: US commanders (not NATO) should lead US combat troops.” N.p., 29 Aug Web. 15 Sept Bendery, Jennifer. “Obama Unlikely to Sink Money Into Re-Building Libya, Experts Say.” Huffington Post. N.p., 25 Aug Web. 15 Sept Bingham, Amy. “Romney Supports Military Action in Libya, Criticizes President For Decision Making.” ABC News. ABC, 22 Mar Web. 15 Sept Cato Institute. “Khadafy on the Ropes; What’s Next for Libya.” Opposing Views. N.p., 22 Aug Web. 15 Sept CNN Political Unit. “2012 candidates react to events in Libya.” CNN. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Sept “Foreign Policy.” Mitt Romney for President. Mitt Romney, n.d. Web. 15 Sept Granlund, Dave. “Obama and Libya flak.” Cartoon. Dave Granlund: Cartoons and Illustrations. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Sept Michele Bachmann. N.d. Web. 15 Sept

-“A More Secure Nation.” Michele Bachmann for President. Michele Bachmann, n.d. Web. 15 Sept Mulrine, Anna. “What are pros and cons of a no-fly zone over Libya?” The Christian Science Monitor Online. Christian Science Monitor, 9 Mar Web. 15 Sept “North Atlantic Treaty Organization.” New York Times Topics. The New York Times, 10 June Web. 15 Sept “Pros and cons of a Libya no-fly zone.” Letter. The Guardian [London] 9 Mar. 2011: n. pag. The Guardian/Observer Archive. Web. 15 Sept Rebel Libyan Soldier. N.d. Mar Web. 15 Sept Republican Party Elephant. N.d. SaintPetersBlog. Web. 15 Sept Rick Perry. N.d. Web. 15 Sept U.S. Troops in Firefight. N.d. Web. 15 Sept