proves that the "Old Europe" countries can't be trusted. Don't think for a moment that this lesson is beyond the comprehension of the other European countries. I was raised to believe that a man is only as good as his word, and the same applies to countries. Turkey was asking only for defensive assistance. Belgium's veto effectively told Turkey to go screw themselves.

France exercised its independence by withdrawing from NATO in 1966. That was all well and good. At least they didn't stab a member nation in the back on the way out the door. Since France, Germany, and apparently Belgium are having trouble supporting the actions approved by a 15-3 vote, perhaps they need to reevaluate whether they want to remain in the alliance. Or, perhaps the other nations will reevaluate whether they want France, Germany, and Belgium to remain in NATO. A actual veto, as cast by Belgium goes far beyond simply voting against something.

At least Turkey can be assured that the US won't stab them in the back. Rumsfeld: NATO dispute won't stop Turkey defense plans.

The United States will go ahead with plans to boost Turkey's defenses in advance of a possible war with Iraq despite objections from NATO allies France, Germany and Belgium, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said Monday.



"The planning's going to go forward outside of NATO, if necessary," Rumsfeld said, appearing at a Pentagon briefing with visiting Australian Prime Minister John Howard.



All this is proving is that "Old Europe" is becoming more and more isolated and irrelevant. On their way downhill, they're apparently bent on trashing both the UNSC and now NATO.