The Hill News

Contrast President Obama’s comments during German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s state visit on June 7th with Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ June 10th address at NATO and it might appear that transatlantic relations melted down in the middle of last week. Obama and Merkel were effusive in a day that was all about celebrating the relationship. But Gates was searing, warning of “collective military irrelevance.”

Rather than confounding the alliance with such manic displays, now should be a time of reflection for the U.S., Germany, and NATO’s other members. Elevating symbols over substance has become their norm, allowing major differences to fester in how allies view their security interests and their militaries’ missions. Direct talk absolutely is needed â€" but it must be balanced with an appreciation of these perspectives and a plan to unite them.

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