NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Tuesday he hopes that the alliance members will decide to build a NATO-based missile defense system and also invite Russia to participate. “It makes sense from a military point of view because through cooperation, we can make the whole system more efficient,” he told defense reporters during a meeting in Washington. From a political view, it would also make sense because it “would be obvious” that the missile defense system “is not directed at Russia,” he said. Such a system would be a “game changer” that could benefit everyone from “Russia to Vancouver,” he noted.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
