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Global: Mark Rutte takes over as NATO Secretary General
amid expanding geopolitical tension
Mark Rutte assumed the position of NATO Secretary General,
replacing Jens Stoltenberg, whose term ended after ten years.
Our Take:Stoltenberg's tenure was extended
three times as he presented a steady hand in leading NATO as Russia
invaded first the Crimea and the Donbas, before the 2022 full
assault on Ukraine. His strong record of achievements and lack of
consensus on who could fill his shoes kept him in place for a
period far longer than normal for NATO. Mark Rutte, the
longest-serving prime minister in Dutch history, is seen as a
"continuation candidate," likely guide NATO military
policy in support for Ukraine and develop a new Russia strategy of
rollback and containment. He is also known as an adept negotiator
and may play a key role in future negotiations with Ukraine and
Russia to end the war.
