FOREIGN POLICY/NATO: “The Trump administration is moving to back Montenegro’s bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, according to senior U.S. officials, a decision that could both bolster the Western alliance and antagonize Russia.
The likely move would take place in a rapidly evolving political and diplomatic climate, in which President Donald Trump is steadfastly backing improved ties with Moscow but maintaining for now U.S. strictures imposed in recent years against the Kremlin.
The Russian government has vehemently opposed Montenegro joining NATO, keeping with its longstanding opposition to the alliance’s expansion. Montenegrin officials have publicly accused the Kremlin of trying to deter its membership by instigating an attempted coup against the government in October. Moscow has denied the charge.”
– Jay Solomon and Julian E. Barnes, “Trump Moves Toward Backing NATO Candidate Over Russian Objections,” The Wall Street Journal online, Feb. 10, 2017