As the NATO Summit unfolded in Washington, the stakes were never higher for reinforcing America’s ties with European allies and the future direction of this transatlantic alliance.

The summit, marking the 75th anniversary of NATO, was intended to showcase the unity of the Western alliance. Yet its success hung by a thread, contingent on finding common ground among allies regarding the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

These aren't typical times. Under normal circumstances, such an event would have been a celebration, but the current global security situation cast a shadow over the proceedings. While NATO had much to celebrate, Europe’s security landscape remains grim.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, now in its third year, remained an area of concern. This conflict, the largest in Europe since NATO’s inception in 1949, demands the alliance’s undivided attention and strategic response. Matters continue to be further complicated by ongoing political upheavals in key NATO countries, adding to the uncertainty. Keir Starmer's recent accession as UK prime minister and the increase in support for France's far-right underscore the shifting political dynamics.

Further complicating........

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