Shades of D-Day, As Pentagon Preps NATO Allies for 'Planetary Objectives'

[unhappycamper]

Shades of D-Day, As Pentagon Preps NATO Allies for 'Planetary Objectives'
July 11, 2005
L'Express.fr

Norfolk, Virginia: At the world’s biggest military port in Virginia, the objective of NATO is to confront the new dangers that threaten Washington and its allies. Amassed there is an impressive war machine that combines very high technology and reinforces international cooperation.

Far, very far, from the bloody attacks in London, the fatal ambushes in Baghdad and the disappointments in Kabul, the gigantic American war machine hones its weaponry for the battles to come in its interminable global war on terror (GWOT in military jargon). But this activity, which takes place in the peaceful, touristy state of Virginia, also involves Washington’s allies. The 25 countries of the Atlantic alliance are working alongside the hyperpower on transforming NATO, in order to adapt it to its new challenges.

SHADOWS OF D-DAY

These duel strategic objectives are being addresses at Norfolk – the largest U.S. Naval base but also the largest military port in the world – by making preparations, the extent of which calls to mind, 60-years-ago, D-Day! Of course, this time the American armada is not on course for the Normandy coast. In fact, it is the entire planet that the United States intends to watch closely with its partners in the Alliance, to be ready for any new and unpleasant surprise from all types of fanatics. The carnage perpetrated in the heart of the British capital on the morning of July 7, very likely by Islamist terrorists, only confirms the absolute necessity, notably for the West, to be on constant guard. Hence the mobilization of 600 U.S. Naval vessels that, along with aircraft carriers, allows “access anywhere in the world, but without leaving a trace …”

“It is up to God to judge Bin Laden, but it is up to us to arrange their meeting,” a sign reminds Marines boarding the amphibious assault ship, the USS Iwo Jima. The same motivating discourse of waging the GWOT is present in the control tower that dominates the airstrip on the floating airport . Painted in large black letters is advice meant for the pilots and crews of planes and helicopters: “Why we are here.” What are listed are the names and dates of places of pain and anger for all Americans: October 23, 1983, Marine headquarters in Beirut, 241 dead … December 21, 1988, Pan Am flight over Lockerbie, 259 dead … October 12, 2000, Destroyer USS Cole in Aden, 17 dead … September 11, 2001, World Trade Center, 2,752 dead … This litany of attacks that have hit the United States over the last 20 years have the effect, when necessary, of stirring up the war-like ardor of even the least bellicose of Marines.

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http://www.watchingamerica.com/lexpress000004.html

[leveymg]

1. "Reinforces international cooperation"

Seen from above, they do look like Darth Vader's fleet of Imperial Star Destroyers, don't they?

"You won't fail me again, will you, Commander?"