Obama Praises NATO For Afghan Support

By: David Morgan
Topics: White House

Speaking at a press conference following the NATO Summit in Strasbourg, France this morning, President Barack Obama described the 60th anniversary meeting of European leaders as "very productive," in which pledges of additional resources for the war in Afghanistan were promised.

(CBS)

"These commitments of troops, trainers, and civilians represent a strong down payment on the future of our mission in Afghanistan and on the future of NATO," Mr. Obama said. "These are the new missions that NATO must take on in the 21st century and these are the new capabilities that we need to succeed. NATO was founded upon mutual responsibility to our common security. Today I'm confident that we took a substantial step forward in renewing our alliance to meet the challenges of our time."

Saying that al Qaeda and other terrorists threaten every member of NATO, President Obama said he briefed NATO leaders on the administration's new Afghanistan strategy and discussed a way forward, starting with a simple premise:

"For years, our efforts in Afghanistan have lacked the resources needed to achieve our goals," he said during a press conference in Strausbourg following the meeting. "That's why the United States has recommitted itself to a clear and focused goal: To disrupt, dismantle and defeat al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and to prevent their return to either country in the future."

Mr. Obama said NATO has already started to match "real resources" to achieve these goals. "Our allies and partners have already agreed to provide approximately 5,000 troops and trainers to advance our new strategy, as well as increased civilian assistance. To support critical elections for August 20, NATO will fully resource our election support force to maximize security. And our allies have committed additional funds to an Afghan Elections Trust Fund that will provide the necessary resources for free and fair elections.

"This effort cannot be America's alone," he said. "All of NATO understands that al Qaeda is a threat to all of us, and that this collective security effort must achieve its goals."

David Morgan
David Morgan is a senior editor at CBSNews.com and cbssundaymorning.com.

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by speakinup April 6, 2009 1:19 AM EDT: Is it my imagination, or has every liberal out there shut up about exit strategies for both wars ?

Amongst Germany Italy and Poland we can't even get 1000 additional troops; yet, Barry is so thankful.

Been hitting the toot again Barry ?; Reply to this comment


by msmabuse April 5, 2009 11:16 AM EDT: Soon we may see Obama?s Mandatory Volunteerism Plan come to light. Sound oxymoronic doesn?t it? Mandatory Volunteer?
Somehow last week both houses of congress pushed forward an expansion of the Americorps national service plan. If you recall last year, the Obamassiah proposed a civilian national security force that?s ?just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded? as the U.S. military.
The legislation included this language: ?a workable, fair, and reasonable mandatory service requirement for all able young people.? In other words, start the goose stepping when they?re young, and expand the boots on the street. That?s right, Obama wants his own civilian army of young people. Does that ring any historical bells with anyone? How about the guy with the funny moustache?; Reply to this comment


by msmabuse April 5, 2009 11:15 AM EDT: The mark of the beast.
Posted by katg21; Reply to this comment


by WayAround April 5, 2009 9:02 AM EDT: April 5, 2009

Obama talks about the "threat of nuclear weapons" during his visit to Prague, Czech Republic, where most citizens do not want the U.S. missile defense system.

North Korea launches a missile on the same day.

July 8, 2008

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice arrives in Prague to persuade Czechs that they should allow the U.S. missile defense system in their country.

One day later, Iran launches at least three test missiles.

You know, that's just a little too much coincidence.; Reply to this comment


by budmag06 April 5, 2009 4:09 AM EDT: Obama praises NATO for what? They're not sending a single soldier to help with the fighting. The U.S. continues to be suckered.; Reply to this comment


by wardoglrs April 4, 2009 10:22 PM EDT: Will the Obamanoids take responsibility for the deaths that Obama is doing to innocent women & children and just plain ole people?. Do they really believe that Government can make there dreams come true?. Where is your FREE HEALTH CARE folks I thought you wanted this FREE HEALTH CARE at someones Else's expense. Your CHANGE is all about you changing to adopt to Obama's BS.

Go join his youth brigade and shove it up your *****. It don't get any closer to Hitler than this fool; Reply to this comment


by debilis April 4, 2009 9:28 PM EDT: The popularity Mr. Obama enjoyed in Europe was a kind of celebrity phenomenon, quaint or otherwise--- the heads of state regarded him in a much more measured way. Thus the "commitment" we obtained was a token, that much is agreed upon by most observers. Moreover, it does take courage to make change, but the change has to be in the right direction. No one has suggested we revert to the policies of the past, which is a favorite dismissive mantra. But we should definitely not allow simple popularity to interfere with cool-headness when it comes to budgetary expenditure. It is how we are seen and judged elsewhere.; Reply to this comment


by jeffinFla April 4, 2009 9:02 PM EDT: "Debilis" whatever help we are getting in Afghan. is more than the people in those countries originally wanted to give us. Obama's popularity among Europeans, while quaint to you, actually may have secured more than we otherwise would have. And any respect that we may have lost from China or Russia was due to the fact that our derivatives traders (running unfettered with little regulation) caused a worldwide economic catastrophe. and they are worried about it happening again. Keep thinking that we've lost respect or weight with Obama. The majority of the world disagrees with you.; Reply to this comment


by debilis April 4, 2009 8:56 PM EDT: Certainly no one is hoping for failure. That is why we have a free society so issues can be discussed--- precisely to avoid failure. There are very good people both in the democratic party and on the republican side.
These posts are meant to address the CBS article on Mr. Obama's comments with respect to NATO. Both liberals and conservatives, democrats and republicans alike, are concerned that the present adminstration is heading too heavily into debt--- and the Europeans share that view. That's all.; Reply to this comment


by hungry1968-15 April 4, 2009 8:43 PM EDT: Glen Beck would refer to you as an ass-clown. He would be right.
Posted by TheMasses21 at 5:21 PM : Apr 4, 2009

WOW!!!!

What a brilliant post!!

You should print it, and take it to school for show and tell.; Reply to this comment