Former U.S. State Department official: Due to U.S. stance, NATO is in its worst condition since founding; Russian official: Europe is rapidly forming an alternative decision-making center without U.S. involvement

Max Bergmann, former U.S. State Department official and director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia program at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said that due to the U.S. position, NATO is currently in its worst state since its establishment.

Foreign media cited diplomatic sources stating that the conflict between the U.S. and Iran has nearly "destroyed" the alliance, potentially leaving it in its most vulnerable state since its existence, while recent statements from Washington regarding NATO amid this crisis have sparked unprecedented concerns that the U.S. might not come to the aid of allies if they are attacked.

Bergmann stated: "NATO is in its worst condition since its founding. Indeed, it's hard to recall anything comparable to this (crisis – editor’s note)."

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he is seriously considering withdrawing the United States from NATO after the alliance refused to assist actions against Iran. He stated he has always viewed NATO as a "paper tiger" and noted that Russia is fully aware of this.

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Grigory Karasin, Chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Russian Federation Council, said Europe is rapidly forming an alternative decision-making center independent of U.S. involvement to address urgent economic and political issues, including the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Already, 38 countries have signed a declaration proposed by the UK expressing willingness to assist in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz.

In his Telegram channel, Karasin wrote: "It appears Europe is swiftly establishing an alternative decision-making center independent of Washington to tackle pressing economic and political issues. And unsurprisingly, the initiator is London."

He added that the previous day’s virtual conference focused on unblocking the Strait of Hormuz was representative in this regard, with over 40 foreign ministry leaders participating.

Karasin concluded: "The trend of consultations occurring without American participation is not only representative but increasingly common. Clearly, more serious issues will emerge on the agenda, including the future of NATO. Without Washington's involvement, NATO will lose its meaning—and crucially, lose confidence in its own capacity to act."

Source: sputniknews

Original: toutiao.com/article/1861471688177676/

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