By Patricia Zengerle
WASHINGTON (Multibagger) - A group of U.S. senators has called on NATO leaders to address a significant gap in the North Atlantic Treaty during the alliance's 75th anniversary summit in Washington this week.
The treaty, drafted before Hawaii became a state in 1959, currently only covers territories north of the Tropic of Cancer, leaving the Hawaiian archipelago, with its 1.44 million residents, unprotected by Article 5's commitment to collective self-defense.
In a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, senators emphasized the need to clarify that an attack on Hawaii would be considered an attack on all NATO countries, highlighting the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region amid rising tensions with China and North Korea.
The senators called for a formal amendment to the North Atlantic Treaty to include Hawaii, noting that the world has changed significantly since the treaty's ratification in 1949.
They also raised questions about whether the State Department has pursued amending the treaty to address this issue and stressed the importance of deterring conflict in the Indo-Pacific region.
As the scars of the Pearl Harbor attack remain visible, the senators urged swift action to ensure Hawaii's security is fully protected under the NATO umbrella.
Analysis:
This article highlights a critical issue in the North Atlantic Treaty that leaves Hawaii vulnerable to attacks without the protection of collective self-defense. As tensions in the Indo-Pacific region rise, the inclusion of Hawaii in NATO's security framework is crucial to deterring conflict and ensuring the safety of its residents. By addressing this gap in the treaty, NATO leaders can strengthen their strategic position and enhance security in the region, ultimately benefiting not only Hawaii but also all NATO countries.