Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta warns of ‘complex set of threats’ faced by US and Europe

US SECRETARY of Defence Leon Panetta has said America and Europe face “a complex set of threats” in the future, and challenged Nato to react to the changing face of global military conflict.

US SECRETARY of Defence Leon Panetta has said America and Europe face “a complex set of threats” in the future, and challenged Nato to react to the changing face of global military conflict.

In a speech in central London, the former Congressman and director of the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) hailed the historic “special relationship” between the US and UK, but warned the transatlantic alliance faces some “very tough questions” ahead.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Panetta said Nato needs to be ready to confront the continued threat of al Qaida, the nuclear development of North Korea and Iran, and the increase of cyber attacks - all while countries on both sides of the Atlantic feel the squeeze of fiscal austerity.

Speaking to an audience at King’s College, he said: “More than a decade after 9/11, Nato remains the bedrock of America’s global network of alliances and partnerships.

“But today, after 11 years of war, I believe we are at another turning point in the history of transatlantic alliance.

“We are facing some very tough questions: What is the future of a Nato alliance?

“Will Nato retreat from its responsibility out of complacency or a different set of priorities in the face of growing budget constraints?

“Or will Nato have the creativity, the innovation, the commitment to develop and share the capabilities it must have in order to meet future security threats?”

Mr Panetta, who was giving one of his final speeches before he retires to his home in California after decades of public service, said he hoped the war in Afghanistan was entering the “last chapter”, and praised the work of US, British, and other Isaf forces, as well as Afghan troops.

But he warned: “There are a complex set of threats, both new and persistent, confronting the US and Europe.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said al Qaida continued to operate in the Middle East and North and West Africa, and insisted the terror group must not be given room to operate.

“We must maintain relentless pressure on al Qaida wherever it seeks to establish a safe haven,” he said.

“We cannot allow al Qaida to establish a base of operations from which it can conduct attacks on our country or on Europe.”

Related topics: