Still in shock over the deadly acts of terrorists in our country, America can be comforted by the realization that our allies overseas – of which we have many – stand by us in this time of crisis.

Thursday, September 13, 2001

Still in shock over the deadly acts of terrorists in our country, America can be comforted by the realization that our allies overseas – of which we have many – stand by us in this time of crisis. The irony of this, however, is that America’s cavalier attitude toward other nations abroad, both allies and enemies, is apparently one reason we have become a target for terrorism.

The NATO alliance stood up for America Wednesday, proclaiming that an attack on the United States is tantamount to an attack on the alliance, and that our North Atlantic allies will fly to our defense if necessary. This means they are obliged to participate in or facilitate any military operations America plans in retaliation for the terrorism.

The decision was based on a clause in the NATO charter, never before used, that says an attack on any member is to be taken as aggression against all the nations. That part of the charter was originally intended to be a defense against a Cold War attack, but NATO leaders say the principle is no less valid today.

Just months ago, President Bush and his cabinet were espousing the notion that certain missile treaties adopted under NATO were no longer valid now that the Cold War is over. It would have been easy for NATO to use that same argument now, evading any involvement in the terrorist attacks on America. But they did not.

It should be a reminder how valuable it is to have such a strong alliance with other freedom-loving nations in the world. So many times, other countries have found themselves in trouble and had American help; now, we find ourselves in crisis, and our allies are returning the favor. This should cause the Bush administration to take note: Fostering a stronger alliance with other nations is much more valuable than assertions of American independence in the world community.