Switzerland considering NATO membership

[blue-wave]

Analysis: Neutral Switzerland leans closer to NATO in response to Russia

BERN, May 15 (Reuters) - Switzerland's fabled neutral status is about to face its biggest test in decades, with the defence ministry tilting closer to Western military powers in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The defence ministry is drawing up a report on security options that include joint military exercises with NATO countries and "backfilling" munitions, Paelvi Pulli, head of security policy at the Swiss defence ministry told Reuters.

The details of the policy options under discussion in the government have not been previously reported.

"Ultimately, there could be changes in the way neutrality is interpreted," Pulli said in an interview last week. On a trip to Washington this week, Defence Minister Viola Amherd said Switzerland should work more closely with the U.S.-led military alliance, but not join it, Swiss media reported.

Neutrality, which kept Switzerland out of both world wars during the 20th century, was not an objective in itself, but was intended to increase Swiss security, Pulli said.

Other options include high-level and regular meetings between Swiss and NATO commanders and politicians, she said.

Moving so much closer to the alliance would mark a departure from the carefully nurtured tradition of not taking sides that its supporters say helped Switzerland prosper peacefully and maintain a special role as intermediary, including during the West's standoff with the Soviet Union.

The idea of full membership of NATO has been discussed, but whereas Sweden and Finland - countries that also have a history of neutrality - are on the verge of joining, Pulli said the report was unlikely to recommend Switzerland take that step.

Full Article: https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/neutral-switzerland-leans-closer-nato-response-russia-2022-05-15/


Well, well, well Vlad. You really stepped in it this time and accomplished what no one else in the whole world could, be proud!!

And oh, congrats on the award:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FS3NAoxUUAE8Mxi?format=jpg&name=medium

[SunSeeker]

1. Yup.

Link to tweet

[dalton99a]

2. +1

[PatSeg]

3. Wow, that is incredible

[Celerity]

7. The OP altered the title, the article doesn't back up their manipulated title.

[blue-wave]

18. Yes, the article does back up my title

Read the article before attacking me, you'd realize this.

And this was not posted in late breaking news. I posted the title of my op with the title I wanted, as others do on this site.

[LudwigPastorius]

4. They really might as well join.

Neutrality wouldn't do a thing to spare them in the event of that Russia launches missiles at the European NATO countries.

[Celerity]

5. Why did you change the headline to something not backed up by the article?

[blue-wave]

8. From the article:

"The idea of full membership of NATO has been discussed" I translate that as considering.

[Celerity]

9. Two points. 1. There was no valid reason to alter the headline. You made it more sensational than it

actually was, which would, if duplicated as the new norm by every OP (ie. altering article titles to express an overall thematic not backed up by the article), would cause a lot of sturm und drang, as it is misleading.

The actual article's title, which is more accurate, easily fits in the DU title space:

Analysis: Neutral Switzerland leans closer to NATO in response to Russia


There was no valid reason for you to change the title.


Point 2.

In your reply to me just now you wilfully left out last part.

The idea of full membership of NATO has been discussed, but whereas Sweden and Finland - countries that also have a history of neutrality - are on the verge of joining, Pulli said the report was unlikely to recommend Switzerland take that step.

[speak easy]

10. +1

clickbait IMO

[blue-wave]

19. I reserve the right, as a DU member in good standing

To post what I want within the rules. I am within the rules. If you have an issue with that, take it up with administration. I do thank you for your concern.

That said, I would guess that Pooty is very upset about all the NATO interest. Yes, Pooty and his genocidal butchering nationalists who invaded and started a war in Ukraine.

[Celerity]

20. And I reserve the right, as a DU member in good standing, to point out what I see. I addressed it to

you directly, I did not have to run to the admins, which is probably pointless anyway.

As for this:

That said, I would guess that Pooty is very upset about all the NATO interest. Yes, Pooty and his genocidal butchering nationalists who invaded and started a war in Ukraine.

Of course he is, and I happen to live in one of the main countries (Sweden) Putin is having a Nato meltdown over, so I am very much aware of all this. It all is entirely his fault, he has driven us and Finland into Nato (assuming the scum Erdoğan doesn't block us).

[BlueMTexpat]

6. As you can see,

even the article says that the idea of Switzerland actually joining NATO is unlikely.

But the fact that this is even being discussed is amazing indeed and shows how badly Vlad & Co have miscalculated.

And Switzerland WILL clearly remain within the Schengen Zone, as per the results of the Frontex federal referendum on Sunday. So, European unity wins again. Thank heavens!

There is also good news for those who need organ donations and for the Swiss film industry, which is thriving.

https://lenews.ch/2022/05/15/swiss-vote-results-on-frontex-organ-donation-and-a-levy-on-international-streaming-services/

[speak easy]

11. one thing about being a bank

there's no interest in vaporizing accounts

[BlueMTexpat]

12. Is that your

whole take on my post?

[speak easy]

13. no - just an attempt at humor

that fell flat

[BlueMTexpat]

16. OK, no prob!

[Bucky]

14. Finally, they will no longer live quivering under the threat of Lichtenstienian domination

[BlueMTexpat]

17. ...

[Norbert]

15. Putin and tRump. NATOs greatest recruiting tool