Nato marks 70th anniversary in state of internal disunity

Key members of the military alliance do not see eye to eye on its purpose and relevance

Flags of Nato member states in London, ahead of the group's summit today. The world's biggest military alliance marks its 70th birthday while battling one of its most confounding adversaries - itself. PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESS
Flags of Nato member states in London, ahead of the group's summit today. The world's biggest military alliance marks its 70th birthday while battling one of its most confounding adversaries - itself. PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato), the United States-led military alliance in Europe, are meeting in London today for a summit to mark the 70th anniversary of their organisation's foundation.

Britain is eager to play up the festive spirit. Flags of Nato's 29 member nations now line the roads to Buckingham Palace, and Queen Elizabeth II has thrown a glittering reception followed by a sumptuous dinner for Nato members' heads of state and government.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 04, 2019, with the headline Nato marks 70th anniversary in state of internal disunity. Subscribe