Allies Chided on Gulf Troop Levels
NATO’s top official today criticized the Western allies for not sending more ground forces and other assistance to the Persian Gulf region to support the huge American military buildup.
“Let me clearly state my personal opinion--that some allies could and should do more,” said Manfred Woerner, secretary-general of the 16-nation North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
“It would be helpful if, in addition to Great Britain and France, also other allies could send ground troops to the gulf as suggested by the United States,” he said.
Woerner said the gulf crisis has raised the question of whether NATO should play a greater role in dealing with regional conflicts that affect the security of member nations.
“Who could deny that the maintenance of an uninterrupted supply of oil is a vital issue for the security of all the members of the alliance,” he said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
