During a regularly scheduled meeting of NATO diplomats Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell urged NATO to take a larger role in its activities in Iraq. While not specifically making a request from NATO, Powell asked that the idea of a more actively involved NATO should be considered as a viable discussion topic.
\The United States welcomes a greater NATO role in Iraq's stabilization,"" Powell said. ""We urge the Alliance to examine how it might do more to support peace and stability in Iraq, which every leader has acknowledged is critical to all of us.""
Currently, NATO's role has been limited to providing logistical support for the multi-national division already in Iraq.
Michael Barnett, a political science professor at UW-Madison, expressed doubt the United States would be able to secure NATO assistance.
""I believe it will be very difficult to get help from NATO,"" Barnett said. ""America is getting desperate. Unlike the invasion of Afghanistan, which was a response to a direct attack against the U.S., there was no legitimate action behind the current invasion.""
Barnett stated the force within Iraq is still an occupation force, and NATO does not want to be seen as part of this force.
Charles Franklin, political science professor, said NATO's involvement is actually a positive step towards military ""legitimacy"" in Iraq.
""The role NATO is playing in Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Yugoslavia will be in line with the role that Powell is requesting for Iraq,"" Franklin said.
""Countries in NATO are more willing to adopt the role of the peacekeeper and nation-builder than the offensive force,"" he added. ""If the countries that opposed the war in the first place are trying to help rebuild Iraq, then the people of Iraq may begin to see the soldiers as peacekeepers rather than invaders or occupiers.""
Both Franklin and Barnett agreed without more troops or support from the United Nations or NATO, the United States may face difficulties in the months ahead as casualties increase.
-The New York Times contributed to this report.
