D.C.‘Insiders’ Are Wrong, NATO Could Beat Russia -- Michael Cohen, Defense One
“The NATO alliance is not prepared to counter a newly aggressive Russia,” or so blared the lead of the latest National Journal Security Insiders poll. Three-quarters of those who are allegedly in the know agree that the largest security alliance in the world is practically at Russia’s mercy. “NATO has neither the will nor the capabilities to counter Russian moves in Ukraine,” wrote one nameless critic. “Our deterrence is nonexistent” said another. “The question is a joke. NATO and the West have virtually dismantled while ‘the East’ is arming at a fast clip,” a third so-called insider warned.
The criticism is consistent with much of the commentary from the national security community about Russia’s foray into Crimea. It’s also fantastical.
Let’s first get the facts out of the way. I’ll turn things over to Vice Adm. Frank Pandolfe, director for strategic plans and policy on the Joint Staff. In testimony before the House Armed Service Committee last month he pointed out that Russia, while in the process of reforming its military structure and doctrine is, currently, not all that:
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My Comment: History is filled with leaders and nations having this great debate on how they can easily take on Russia .... and win. Sighhh .... my nationality is Russian .... and I cannot properly and adequately explain why such thinking is foolish. Russia is a massive country that is filled with people who have a long history of hating outsiders and invaders. And while I am sure that NATO can probably defeat the Russian military (in a non-nuclear situation) .... it will be a hollow victory because NATO has nowhere near the resources and manpower to move in and occupy the place. But even this argument is moot .... if Moscow believes that they are losing in a war against NATO .... they will pull out the tactical nuclear warheads .... and after that .... probably the big strategic weapons that will be used in incinerating NATO cities. In such a scenario .... who really cares who wins.
