US Should 'Deeply Value' Friendship of It's Allies, Says Former NATO Ambassador

Former NATO Ambassador Nicholas Burns stated that the fundamental lesson the United States should take from the September 11, 2001 attacks is the need to deeply value its friends and allies globally. Burns, who served as America's NATO Ambassador just weeks before the Al Qaeda attacks, highlighted the essential nature of treating international partners with respect, a sentiment he reiterated during an interview with CNN.

Burns reflected on the immediate aftermath of 9/11, recalling that even when he couldn't reach US government officials, ambassadors from countries like Canada, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland contacted him to offer support. This solidarity led to the activation of Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which considers an attack on one member as an attack on all, a rare event in the alliance's history. He noted that US allies were fully prepared to stand with the US and accompany them in Afghanistan if needed.

He also commented on the prolonged US presence in Afghanistan, suggesting that the initial purpose of the mission became obscured over two decades. Burns expressed that the US "stayed too long and in a way lost our understanding of the clear purpose of our mission." He acknowledged that several US allies also undertook dangerous roles in Afghanistan and incurred significant casualties. This long-term engagement, he implied, sometimes led to a divergence from the core mission and potentially strained relationships with allies who bore the costs.

The broader context of trust in international relations was also highlighted by other commentators. An Atlantic article noted that American security relies on allies trusting US leadership, citizens trusting their government, and policymakers adhering to American values. Over the past 25 years, some argue that these bonds of trust have frayed, which aligns with Burns's emphasis on the continuous need to cultivate and respect alliances. Other discussions have also pointed to the imperative of healing US relationships with European allies, underscoring the ongoing relevance of Burns's message.