The following is an edited transcript of a recent interview with Fareed Zakaria on "John King USA," talking about the NATO summit in Chicago and NATO's relevance in the world today.
KING: This year's NATO summit is in Chicago. And topping the official agenda is the transition in Afghanistan, but there are other giant issues for the 34 heads of state attending.
ZAKARIA: The truth is NATO was a defensive alliance. It was designed for, really, to protect against Russia, against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. And ever since 1990 when all that ended, it's been flailing around looking for something to do.
But it is a very useful time when all these heads of state, heads of government get together, and there's always something or the other on the agenda that's pretty crucial.
I would suspect that a lot of them would spend some time talking about Greece and Europe and the world economy, even though it's actually meant to be a security alliance.
KING: And when it comes to Afghanistan, which is important business at this summit, is it mission accomplished or is it mission exhausted, "let's get out"?
ZAKARIA: That's a great way of putting it. ... The Obama strategy - which is to double-down on the counter-terrorism (special ops, the drones) but gradually withdraw from the vast nation-building project and therefore withdraw the troops - is broadly shared by other European countries. So he's not going to get any pushback.
These summits become somewhat dramatic if there are two points of view. You think about the United States and France over the Iraq war. In this case, mostly everyone agrees with the Obama administration. And as we drawdown, they are drawing down, as well.
KING: Let's come back to the relevance question. Because as you noted, this is a defensive alliance. It was built when it was the West confronting, then, the Soviet menace. ... So if you are the leaders of the NATO alliance, what lesson do you have to learn from this very different world?
ZAKARIA: Political stability is a little bit like oxygen. When you have it, you take it for granted. We don't notice there's oxygen in this room: in my room and in yours. When you don't have it, you really notice.
So really preserve it. Do everything you can to prevent the return of Cold War-like hostilities between the United States and China, Cold War-like hostilities between the United States and Russia, rivalries between India and China.
All these things are, of course, low probability events. But if they were to happen, then all the stuff we're talking about - this single global economy, the technological progress, the trade, globalization - all that goes out window. Because now you're in a struggle for survival. And now politics and military affairs dominate everything.
So, you know, it is really true that we have the luxury of worrying about some of the kinds of things we worry about, which are real problems, but nothing like the problems of nuclear war during the Cold War, World War II, World War I and hundreds of years before that.
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NATO is an investment by America to prevent another world war. To simply call it a defensive alliance against the Soviet Union is to overlook the reality that we Americans felt it was much cheaper to pay the majority of costs for NATO than to allow Europe to fall into yet another internal war. NATO stands as one of the only reasons Europe has been able to minimize bloodshed on the continent. Having all of these former enemies talking and working together to keep the peace is a huge financial savings overall for the U.S. If NATO goes, so will the peace in Europe. Given the choice, NATO is a bargain.
@ekralicek: "If NATO goes, so will the peace in Europe". Nonsense, there will still be peace in Europe without NATO. In fact it's facing an existential threat, as the number of pacifists grow in Europe. Militarism is dated and undesirable.
Fareed, you said: "So really preserve it. Do everything you can to prevent the return of Cold War-like hostilities between the United States and China, Cold War-like hostilities between the United States and Russia, rivalries between India and China". Within the NATO there might still be a bunch of "cold-war" veterans who get frustrated that their organisation has fallen into oblivion and is looking for an excuse to stay afloat. But the Libyan crisis and the ongoing one in Syria show that many member states of the NATO are not interested in mlitary interventions out of economical reasons and domestic dissent.
NATO came in handy when murdering Ghadaffi's family and putting another islamic group in power in a country where no one wants islam to riase its ugly head.
If Europeans were capable of not fighting with themselves then end NATO, however, Europeans are not capable of avoiding war amoungst themselves keeping NATO is in the worlds best interest.
No Sean, NATO is a deterence to anyone, anywhere from starting a war.
However, if there was a need for war, NATO would be there, ready , willing and quite able to kick some ass.
AMEN!!! WELL SAID!!!
The big question that needs to be asked is why Germany is a world power with no standing army ? the answer NATO. The world, because of the German past needs to think this over. How does a world allow a country like Germany since 1945 become so dominate? They may have taken over the Europe without an army.
You must know little about Germany! It has a "standing army". It's called the "Deutsche Bundeswehr"! They have contingents in the ISAF in Afghanistan!
ekralicek, I couldn't agree more. Today Europe has become so addicted to the welfare state that it's unlikely they will resume the hostilities towards each other. However, since their addiction to welfare has meant less emphasis on defense spending, this also means that if the United States were to close all its military installations in Europe, the continent would be incapable of handling its own defense, which might also be problematic for the US since Europe is the US' most important trading partner.
short answer to the NATO question:
ummmmm...no.
so I can quote you when NATO is gone and we end up in yet another world war...?
First foreign policy decision under a Julnor presidency would be to withdraw from NATO and start a new alliance better aligned with US priorities and interests. Then we pull all our people out of South Korea.
Russia iis not a super rpower but still a threat to smaller countires in Europe. Ask someone in Poland if NATO is relevant.
Farnce, Germany and Britian , however, should be funding European security, not the United States..
Well said.
Damn! Right
The issue of the dispute between Russia and the U.S. was the missile defence shield! The Russians argued that installing interceptor missiles in Poland or Romania would undermine the strategic nuclear balance between Russia and the U. S. and poison relations between Russia and the West, delivering little real strategic benefit. Yet NATO fears a potential ballistic missile threat to its countries, from Iran.
NATO is the muscle for the new world order's banking system.. just like the united nations .. both are no good for this country or any other country..
Okay, I am listening.
Explain yourself!
NATO permits the US President to claim "coalitions" and "allies" when the US decides to do something. NATO permits the European countries to pretend to be world powers while they maintain armed forces which are grossly insufficient for their defense. NATO is as irrelevant as the UN, which is the epitome of irrelevance.
Syd: And NATO permits the French and German and other European leaders to claim "coalitions" and "allies", including the U.S., when European countries decide to do something - like using military power in Libya, which the French and Germans demanded and led, and the U.S. played the supporting role.
And, as to relevance: I've lived in my house since 2003. It has numerous smoke detectors that have never done anything but demand new batteries every six months. One could argue they have been completely irrelevant to everything in my life. But if we ever have a fire...
The smoke detector comparison is excellent! Good thought.
The U.N. is the only step towards world government we have. Without unification as a species on this planet, we remain a bunch of nationalistic tribes throwing rocks at each other across territories. It's time to evolve. United we stand, divided we fall. I'm tired of falling due to basically gang mentality. Even the U.S. government is a war between two rival gangs: Republicans and Democrats and everyone is losing. We behave no better than two unrelated hamsters in a cage. We must have the same intelligence.
A one world government would be the biggest mistake in the history of humanity. Sure, the thought is nice, but truthfully, humanity is too corrupt to put that much faith and power into that small a group of people. If a nation's sovereignty dies, it's liberty dies with it.
everyone has the right to an opinion but maybe you should skip yours. i will.
Both NATO and the UN are relevant. The problem is that they need to change to be more so. NATO should be doubled in size, to alleviate the current U.S. role as "world's policeman. The UN also needs to change its Charter, to exclude such vetos like those of China and Russia in Cairo, which prevented the world from stopping genocide in Syria! For humanitarian reasons, no such vetos should be allowed in cases of genocide! If these two changes are introduced, with God's Grace, the world will be ready to face the Third Millennium undaunted and secure!
That's right, change the Charter in your favor, denying China, Russia and other's their voice, what a nice notion. Exactly what would Nato have done if China and Russia were banned from the UN (because that's what silencing their voice would essentialy mean) ? I'll give you a hint, they are expensive and make a very loud 'BOOM', and leave a lot of dead Syrians behinds. Countries interfering in other's civil wars is a very recent phenomen, and should not be practiced at all.
If I was Sarah Palin I'd stand on my head and pack my nostrils full of fresh bird droppings.
What is Palin got to do with discussion?...I missed it!
NATO is relevant although a recontruction is needed to meet todays needs. Look at China increasing their the military spending tremendously. Now they have bought the biggest theatre venture in the USA. In the near future they will own us if we don't patronizing them.Everytime I pick up an item it most likely will say "made in China". Shame! Shame!
actualy i have begun to notice here and there more items with 'Made in the USA" on them then before. items i wouldnt think would be made here, like plastic cups(not cheap ones, like strong everyday cups) ive even seen some T shirts, though very few and its very rare. and itf its not in the USA...it isnt always in china.....ive seen alot of countries........but a large majority is still China >.>
NATO is still relevant, and is evolving. We have expanded membership, and the threats have evolved from a cold war pardigm, to one in which rogue states and super-empowered individuals and organizations, can cause great harm to our collective economies and populations. Having the allinace is more than just ensuring we have friends who will help us when we are attacked. It create a degree of interoperability between our militaries, from planning and doctirne, to having standardized ammunition that can be cross leveled between partners. Dismantling this structure would be difficult, and rebuilding it in the future even more costly. The fact is, that this alliance means we do not have to be prepared to "go-it-alone", which actually does enable us to maintain a smaller military than we otherwise may need.
good points. good analysis.
Do you honestly believe that other countries would come to the aid of a fellow Nato ally? Especially if attacked by a foe with an actual modern military? Yeah right. First they would spend 6 months looking for a diplomatic solution, then they would spend another 6 months handing out stern warnings. By and large Nato is mostly the US, all the other members combined don't contribute anything near to what the US does. It's a dinosaur of an organization, that has long outlived it's purpose.
Ever since Obama has been elected, I'm amazed at how many things are unimportant, like:
Patriotism, life, liberty, marriage, personal property, personal responsibillity, founding fathers, allies, and oh yeah GOD!
You forgot to mention the baby jeebus. And nascar. Don't forget nascar. And guns and knives, the confederate flag and double wide trailers ringed with barbed wire. And Sarah Palin and her little teabaggies.
God was important in the first place?
Why do news agencies think it's news to have one journalist interview another journalist? Why would I consider this journalist's opinion? I would much rather read an expert's opinion even if i don't agree with it.
While I frequently dislike some of the things Fareed has to offer, I still value his opinion as an informed individual with an outside perspective. As "someone in the know", I believe both Fareed and King both qualify as experts in presenting topics and how they affect different populations.
NATO is a massive joke, almost bigger than the Obama Administration.
I see your trailer park manager is letting you play with his computer today. I hope you return the favor. Maybe offer to wash his tractor or something.
not all people who live in trailer parks are stupid
just almost all of them 
a comment written from the "joink" apparently, anyone in that joink literate?
As to the headline, about as much as the UN, case closed.
It will be the unified defense against Islamic controlled countries as a result of the Arab Spring.
True, the only groups antagonistic to NATO are those that NATO opposes. guess who these groups are? duh?
NATO seeking relevance? That answer will be clearer after the collapse. Looking to initiate a war with NATO involvement is no effective way to spark economic recoverey. That's a well worn path of potholes.
How do you fight over and for resources for which you have no financial resources? Your print money if your Ben Bernanke.
I hope that's not his legacy before departing the Fed in humiliation for having stoked hyperinflation.
Yes, I digressed, but its relevant.
Get rid of nato and UN...not needed anymore...
not needed by the Muslim apologists apparently, all they need are underwear bombers and shoe bombers........... they also like acid throwers and well poisoners.
Irrelevant, but America keeps pumping money into it. Kind of like pumping taxpayer money into a failing solar company.
The Solyndra loan was initiated by the Bush administration in 2007. Look it up, moron.
Where did you read "Obama" in my comment?
rad666
What are you talking about?
NATO equals a solar company? how dumb!
Is NATO still relevant?
Was it ever really relevant?
Wow, looks like somebody snoozed all the way through high school history classes. Way to broadcast your ignorance.
NATO is not on the Taliban's curriculum.
too much hookah or simply not enough education?
NATO is a good idea–if Europe can afford it after the great EURO crash of 2012 (about to happen.)
Wow, deja vu or just CNN regurgitating last weeks' news? Seriously, this "interview" happened last week. Why is it "today's" news?
They are both on staff... you couldn't just interview him again?
NATO is only irrelevant to those opposed to western ideals. appears there are a lot of those posting today from their islamic centers.
Wrong mark, I'm a Christian and I too am opposed to the continued existence of NATO. Since no one today poses any king of threat to neither the U.S. nor Europe, this U.S. dominated organization needs to end as soon as possible just as the Warsaw Pact did back in1991.
Liar
As long as Obama is in office kowtowing, apologizing and bowing down before heads of state we need backup. In as far as Putin and Russia is concerned, I guess we should let NATO stick around for a while longer.
The one organization that isn't relevant, wastes billions of U.S. tax dollars and is just plain an embarrassment is the U.N. Nations.
Purpose of NATO was to keep US in, Russia out and Germany down. British think tank.
Pakistan blocking NATO supply trucks ? She wants $5000 per trailer. Message is clear. Pakistani President Zardari Mr 10 % wants $$$ deposit to his Swiss bak account.
Another question should be: " Is CNN relevent anymore?"
Let's see ..... ah ..... nope.
Will any one of you right-wing blowhards here tell me just what's so relevant about an alliance without enemies? If one knows Greek history and most of you here evidently do not, the Dalian League of 493 BC led to transformation of that league into an empire dominated by Athens long after the defeat of the Persians and to the Peloponesian War(432-404 BC) culminating in the defeat of Athens by Sparta and the dissolution of that league.
CORRECT!!! NATO can barely deal with half-starved Afghans with Sandals and Riffles. RUSSIA would decimate NATO!!!
That's a moronic statement...
Because if we ever do wind up having real enemies again it will be convenient to still have NATO... call it an "insurance policy" of sorts.
NATO : NATIONAL ATLANTIC TERRORIST ORGANIZATION.
Thank you, LATIN LOVER. Nothing could be closer to the truth. Killing people is the only thing that organization does quite well!
If it weren't so relevant then why is it that the Russian gov't is so interested to be part of it?
The question isn't whether NATO is relevant, it's why do we need the U.N.? Get rid of the U.N.; it's the most inept organization on the planet.
Fareed is an idiot, he is the sole reason I no longer subscribe to TIME magazine
Fareed Zakaria's GPS is the only TV show for me on Sunday morning.
Is NATO relevant? Sure it is. To all the bureaucrats who get fat paychecks it is.
Thank you, HenkV. How true that is!
New, More Dangerous Hindu Extremist Groups Emerge in India
Christians concerned as rightwing factions splinter to form militant outfits.
PUNE, India, October 29 (CDN) — After more than a decade of severe persecution, India’s Christian minority is growing increasingly concerned over the mushrooming of newer and deadlier Hindu extremist groups.
Gone are the days when Christians had to watch out only for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council) and its youth wing, Bajrang Dal, which are closely linked with the most influential Hindu extremist umbrella organization, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). With voter support faltering for the RSS’s political wing, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), moderate and extremist sections within the Hindu nationalist movement are blaming each other, and militant splinter groups have emerged.
Claiming to be breakaway factions of the RSS, new groups with even more extreme ideology are surfacing. The Abhinav Bharat (Pride of India), the Rashtriya Jagran Manch (National Revival Forum), the Sri Ram Sene (Army of god Rama), the Hindu Dharam Sena (Army for Hindu Religion) and the Sanatan Sanstha (Eternal Organization) have launched numerous violent attacks on Christian and Muslim minorities.
The Sri Ram Sene was one of the most active groups that launched a series of attacks on Christians and their property in and around Mangalore city in the southern state of Karnataka in August-September 2008, according to a report, “The Ugly Face of Sangh Parivar,” published by the People’s Union of Civil Liberties (PUCL), in March 2009. In Jabalpur city in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, suspected extremists from the Abhinav Bharat attacked the Rhema Gospel Church on Sept. 28, according to the Global Council of Indian Christians. They had earlier attacked Pastor Sam Oommen and his family in the same city on Aug. 3.
The Hindu Dharam Sena has become especially terrifying for Christians in Jabalpur. Between 2006 and 2008, Jabalpur was plagued by at least three anti-Christian attacks every month, according to The Caravan magazine. In the western state of Gujarat and other parts of the country, the Rashtriya Jagran Manch has also violently attacked Christians, according to news website Counter Currents.
The meeting was held to discuss prospects for immediate enactment of federal legislation to counter religious extremism with the proposed Communal Violence (Prevention, Control and Rehabilitation of Victims) Bill.
At a meeting held in New Delhi on (Oct. 24), the secretary general of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes, said the rise of fundamentalism was “seriously worrying” the church in India.
I'm just a half-witt here who knows absolutely nothing about Iran!
I did not make this statement.
The as swipe with a multiple personality disorder keeps trying to be me.
Marine5484, George Patton, J. Foste4r Dulles, Joseph McCarthy, Yacobi, Patrick*2, Willie12345, Warren, Quigley, Vin, whomever you are this second is playing little girl games.
BoooooooooooHooooooooooooooooooo!
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