Thank you, Chair.
This is a particularly rich panel. Like others, I feel we could be asking questions all day long. Let me focus on Professor Bercuson, and then ask the others to chime in as appropriate.
My first question has to do with post-Afghanistan learning, Five Eyes versus NATO, and the utility of NATO. Some fight, some don't. Some say they'll fight, some won't, etc.
I'd be interested in your thoughts with respect to the emergence of Germany as the key country in the European Union. It's pretty obvious at this stage that the Germans, if not calling the shots, are certainly a major influence on all nations' budgets, including the French and other major NATO allies.
I'd be interested in your thoughts as to how you see that going in the near term.