WASHINGTON — Retired Gen. James Mattis, poised to become the first career military officer in charge of the Pentagon since the 1950s, said Thursday he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to “break” the NATO alliance that has anchored American and European security for more than half a century.
Under questioning at his Senate confirmation hearing, Mattis portrayed Russia as a strategic adversary. He said the history of U.S.-Russian relations is short on successful efforts at lasting co-operation, something President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to pursue.
Of Putin, said Mattis, a former NATO military leader: “He is trying to break the …read more
Source: National Newswatch
