Denmark and NATO

To whom it may concern,

Over its history, NATO has certainly outgrown its original intent and expanded its influence throughout the world. This is most apparent in Afghanistan, far from the borders of this alliance, and seemingly outside of its purview to protect member nations from more conventional warfare. In fact, while NATO is a symbol of cooperation in the Afghanistan conflict, its member nations are now potential targets for extremists. What was once a fight against the United States as the symbol of the West is now most of the western world fighting the Taliban, Al Qaeda, and other jihadists. And this tension between the West and the Islamic world can only swell with the nomination of the Danish Prime Minister as NATO's Secretary General. Unfortunately, Muslims still think about the cartoon of Mohammed when they hear Denmark. However, the NATO alliance has entered a new era with Danish Prime Minister Rasmussen at the helm. While Rasmussen is a uniquely conservative leader of an extremely liberal people, his nomination to the head of NATO will prove to be a period of extreme pragmatism. The Danes are an extremely thoughtful, prudent, and understanding people, and these sentiments will surely arise in future NATO missions. So, did the United States support this nomination because we wanted a change in overall NATO strategy or does Rasmussen reflect some alternative motive?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP