Reading this itty-bitty essay its as though NATO only consists of Germany and the Baltic States.

Nothing about Trump's isolationist, couldn't care less about Europe/NATO and "Estonia is only a suburb of Russia's St Petersburg" attitudes.

And vot off zee New Germany? What can one say, but http://youtu.be/HPXHRX8Q2hs

Here's a link that may be of interest:

http://thehill.com/opinion/international/382295-strategic-toughness-toward-russia-the-key-to-keeping-baltic-allies-safe

The missiles pointing at Russia are similar to the Patriot missiles and only launched to shoot down IBM missiles after they're launched! And why power and expansionist consumed Putin is so hostile to their deployment! And any other sovereign nation joining the NATO nuclear umbrella!

If smaller nations on the periphery can be peeled off? A sabre rattling Putin can divide NATO up a nation at a time! And the best possible reason for inviting all in who want to join! And ignoring the whim and caprice of a warmongering madman!?

Wouldn't worry too much about anti-NATO Trump if An unredacted, all revealing, Muller report is delivered to Congress? And, must be!
Alan B.

Dear Alan B.,

We should all be concerned about what Putin will
do in the Baltic and to NATO if Trump is still
President. If Russia chooses to attack the
Baltics and Trump is still President - hate to
think of the outcomes. The following link
explains:

http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2016/07/russia-nato-trump-shirref/492938/

Fear not, there's no way Putin will attack the Baltic states or anyone else for that matter while-ever Trump is president.

Putin was perfectly content to attack Ukraine and annex territory for the first time in Europe since WW2 while a prevaricator and appeaser like the Obamessiah was in charge.

But this president is a very different kettle of fish. Besides, under Trump's pressure, Russia is already suffering significant economic hardships. The last thing they need is to have that increased.

No one can rely on the Germans any longer. They have effectively abdicated all pretence of securing their own borders and have allowed their military to wither. They've gone back on their promise to increase their military spending and will instead rely on the USA defending buffer states such as Poland and the Balts.

Its reported that in the last NATO exercises, Germany could field barely 10% of their already depleted air force due to lack of maintenance and only 4 tanks.

Europe, while disparaging the US and its leader, are utterly dependent on each.

Oh god, I can see it now. The EU rushing off with all their might, to defend the Baltic states. They would be about as useful as Polish horse cavalry charging German tanks in WW2.

I can't imagine why any yank would be prepared to defend countries who have had no real investment in self defence in a decade or more.

With Britain gone, even our small force could probably defeat the combined EU strength.