[Steve16384]

Out of curiosity, what do you think they should have done?

[amelius]

I suppose the answer would be "build a better army, 20 years ago".

[scotty79]

Americans were very efficiently suppressing such ideas. They were never interested in Europe having effective army. They only wanted to sell equipment and partially support their bases with European money. When the school bully is your "friend" you don't exactly have the freedom to do what's best for you.