NATO discusses Afghanistan and Syria

Defense ministers from North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states discuss here today the situation in Afghanistan and the latest on the Syrian crisis in light of the escalating tension on Turkish-Syrian borders. The meeting is to discuss a proposed merger between British Defense firm BAE and the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS) with French and German counterparts. The merger project is not considered a NATO issue for discussion, but it is put forward in a time of a growing impact of defense budget cuts due to austerity. Only four states of the 28 members allocate 2% or more for defense expenditure. Expenses fell below 1.5% in 19 countries. According to the NATO website release on the meeting, the ministers are also expected to keep up the momentum on Smart Defense. Allies have already started to implement a list of multinational projects which were approved at the Chicago Summit. The projects give Allies more access to crucial capabilities covering areas such as clearing roadside bombs, sharing smart munitions and pooling maritime patrol aircraft.