[cturner]

Loosely I agree with commenters remarking that the Cold War is over. (Though not the disrespect for the Russian capability. That is a country that still knows how to fight a war.)

But if not for Russia, why does Europe need a military? To get strategic independence from the US? In that case, where is the money? Why the howling about Trump wanting to reduce the US contribution?

And how is the command going to work?

These are rhetorical questions. I think Merkel is insincere, and playing to a domestic audience.

[iguy]

> But if not for Russia, why does Europe need a military?

I guess Turkey is the obvious other candidate. Not so many nukes, of course, but invaded a now EU member in 1974. Plays games with the edges of Greek airspace every week or so? Officially still in NATO but who knows what that means.

> I think Merkel is insincere, and playing to a domestic audience.

Yes.

[_lbaq]

>why does Europe need a military?

Why does the US need a military? Canada? Mexico?

Its a global world, EU as one of the biggest blocks needs its own military for many reasons. Its time to cut the reliance of the US, but remain very close allies.

If defense spending is done right, purchased locally by local companies, a lot of the money circles back into the economy.

[awaythrows]

> why does Europe need a military?

If you want peace, prepare for war. In 1939 we weren't prepared for war, that didn't turn out so well.