Bangladesh, Feb. 18 -- The news that NATO will gradually shift two Joint Force Commands from the United States of America to European leadership is not getting all the attention it deserves. The decision reportedly follows US President Donald Trumps renewed pressure on allies to shoulder more of Europes own defense burden, with NATO presenting the move as part of a “fairer sharing of responsibility” within the alliance.

In this context, Italy will take over Joint Force Command Naples, while Germany and Poland will rotate leadership of Brunssum, and the United Kingdom will assume command of Joint Force Command Norfolk in Virginia. This means that, once the transition is complete, all three of NATOs crisis-level operational com...