Op-Ed Le Figaro

September 10, 2009

In April, the United States of America welcomed France’s decision to fully reintegrate in NATO’s military command structure after a 43-year absence, and President Obama saluted the wisdom and political courage of President Sarkozy for having taken this step.  France is a key world power and a key pillar among liberal democracies.  Its proper place is clearly within the decision-making processes of history’s most successful military alliance.  I firmly endorse the recent statement of NATO Secretary-General Rasmussen, which echoes President Sarkozy’s position that France’s return to the military command will “improve transatlantic relations, reinforce the role of NATO on the international scene, and stimulate the development of the European Security and Defense Policy.”

A key element of France’s renewed engagement in NATO is the assumption by French General Stéphane Abrial of command of the Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia.  Reflecting NATO’s global role and responsibilities, this strategic command is designed to lead the military transformation of Alliance forces and capabilities, using new concepts such as the NATO Response Force and developing new doctrines in order to improve the Alliance's military effectiveness.  With the challenges we confront – in Afghanistan, in NATO reform, and elsewhere – it is more important than ever that we work more effectively and efficiently as Allies.  The renewed strength of U.S.-France relations is integral to these efforts.  It is noteworthy that this is the first time in NATO’s 60 year history that a non-American will fill a position that has traditionally been held by four-star U.S. generals.

General Abrial’s appointment comes at a time when NATO is facing the immediate challenge of bringing peace and security to Afghanistan.  NATO will continue to adapt its strategies to support the Afghan security forces, counter the drug trafficking that finances terrorist groups and provide the necessary environment for important reconstruction and civil development projects.  The country’s recently held elections are an important milestone in that country’s democratic progress, as Afghans take over responsibility for their own government.  U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke was recently in Paris, following a visit to Afghanistan, to meet with his international counterparts.  All agreed that the elections proved that the Afghan people’s desire for democracy was stronger than the Taliban’s efforts to derail the elections through intimidation. 

The situation in Afghanistan is at a decisive stage and the stakes are high, especially for the Afghan people themselves.  The Taliban have wrought death, destruction, and suffering on the country, and in particular on Afghan women.  They finance their reign of terror by trafficking in opium and heroin and force it on anyone who fails to live up to their exacting standards of extremism, while loudly proclaiming their contempt for basic human rights.  We recognize and deeply appreciate the sacrifice in lives that France and our other NATO allies have already made.  The contribution of France and the presence of the coalition continue to be vital.    

The people of Afghanistan deserve better.  They deserve the same chances of hope, development and opportunity to raise their families in peace that people the world over deserve.  If globalization in the 21st century is to have moral meaning, it must include the notion that those of us who enjoy the privileges of peace, prosperity, and tolerance have a responsibility to help others enjoy these same rights and privileges.  This is a task worthy of NATO, and we are proud to face it with our French partners.  We in the United States look forward to addressing our shared challenges with renewed vigor and with the irreplaceable French contribution to global peace, prosperity, stability, and development.