Arnór Sigurjónsson, a defence and security expert, colonel of the Iceland Crisis Response Unit (ICRU) says the state of NATO is a cause for concern following the publication of the new U.S. national security policy and also a huge problem for Iceland. Europe and the United States no longer have a common approach to European security.
The new U.S. national security policy harshly criticises European governments. It states that the United States wants to support its allies in defending the freedom and security of Europe, which is facing civilizational destruction.
Arnór Sigurjónsson says the policy shows disrespect for Europe and that it is not possible to rule out U.S. government interference in elections, as happened in South America.
“The biggest problem is probably that Europe and the United States no longer have a common understanding on European security issues according to this new U.S. policy. In other words, Europe needs to be prepared to stand on its own two feet, both economically and militarily,” Arnór said in an interview on the Bylgjann midday news.
Europeans Should Be Worried
He believes there is reason for Europeans, not least Ukrainians, to be worried. The Americans want to establish trade relations with Russia, which is impossible unless peace is achieved.
“But how to do it, it is not stated. Presumably at the expense of Ukraine, by giving up land and not least, Europe is criticised for standing in the way of having unrealistic ideas about a possible end to the war conflict.”
Arnór says the state of NATO is a cause for concern, but we need to wait for the new U.S. defence strategy that is expected. There are indications that the U.S. could withdraw from many of the joint decision-making processes within the alliance.
“This is naturally a huge problem for Icelanders because the Icelandic government has for decades outsourced all of the country’s defence to the U.S. on the one hand through the defence agreement and on the other hand to NATO through our membership in that alliance.”
“This policy has been good and valid for many years, but it is time to ask ourselves now whether this is a sensible attitude towards the security and defence of the country.”
Time To Consider Establishing An Icelandic Army
It is the primary duty of every independent and fully-fledged nation to be able to respond immediately before assistance arrives, if it arrives.
“I have long advocated that it is time for the Icelandic government to seriously consider establishing an Icelandic army. It does not have to be large, but it needs to be active and able to respond to unexpected or unforeseen dangers.”
“This would then be the first defence that we can defend our infrastructure, strategically important infrastructure, so that we can receive reinforcements if they come,” Arnór concluded.
Source: visir.is (in Icelandic)