From The Telegraph:
President Barack Obama has thrown down the gauntlet to America's Nato allies, declaring that the Europe should not look to the United States as its patron but should instead be a partner that contributes more to its defence capability.
Appearing alongside President Nicolas Sarkozy of France in Strasbourg before attending Nato's 60th anniversary summit, Mr Obama said: "We want strong allies. We are not looking to be patrons of Europe. We are looking to be partners of Europe."
Mr Obama lauded France as America's "oldest ally, our first ally" and hailed Mr. Sarkozy's "initiative, imagination, creativity." Returning the compliment, Mr Sarkozy spoke of a new White House occupant who wanted to "change the world" and was not concerned only with narrow American self interest.
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My Comment: Europe is not going to bite. The breaking of the missile defense agreement treaty with Poland and Czechoslovakia, the lukewarm support of former Soviet states in favor of better relations with Russia, and its independent approach towards dealing with Iran and North Korea .... these policy changes have made European countries deeply suspicious of U.S. commitment and intentions. Expect the Europeans to now pursue a policy independent of the United States.