By Lisa Ferdinando
Army News Service
ROME, Jan. 19, 2015 – Terrorism and Russian aggression are
two "very distinct threats" to European security, according to the
chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey told Italian counterpart Chief
of Defense Adm. Luigi Binelli Mantelli and Minister of Defense Roberta Pinotti
each of those threats requires a "different kind of cooperation."
The leaders discussed a variety of topics in meetings here
today, including threats to Italy's southern flank. Dempsey praised Italy for
its significant contributions to coalition missions, including in Afghanistan
and Iraq.
The threat from Islamic terrorists will not get any easier,
the chairman said.
"I think this threat is probably a 30-year issue,"
he said, noting that terrorists easily recruit young fighters via the Internet.
Counter-messaging is one of the lines of strategy in defeating extremists, he
said.
Italy has made important contributions to the campaign
against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL, the chairman said.
Extremism and Russian Aggression
For the first time in a "very long time," the
United States and its allies are facing the "very distinct threats"
of a conventional state threat from Russia, Dempsey said, and the
unconventional threat of terrorism from extremists.
"Where Italy sits, strategically, you're faced with the
reality of dealing with both of those threats, as we are; I think that draws us
closer together," he said.
There is concern, both sides noted, that foreign fighters
could be moving through Italy's and NATO's southern flanks. Close to 170,000
refugees have come through Italy's shores in the past year.
Dempsey said the approach in dealing with extremism should
consider the swath of countries from the Middle East to Africa, where ISIL and other
terrorist groups operate.
"Looking at it one country at a time is not the
answer," he said, noting he and other allies will discuss the issue
Wednesday and Thursday in NATO meetings in Brussels.
He said Russian aggression will also be a topic in the NATO
talks.
'Deliberate' Pace in Iraq
Italy has made tremendous contributions to international
missions, he said. Thousands of Italian troops are currently deployed in
various operations including in Iraq, Kosovo, the Horn of Africa, and with the
United Nations mission in Lebanon.
Italy and the U.S. are the top contributors of on-the-ground
trainers and advisors who are enabling the Kurds and Iraqis in the fight
against extremists, defense officials noted.
Dempsey thanked Italy for its commitment to Iraq's peace and
security, saying, "You contributed and are continuing to contribute
meaningful capabilities there."
The chairman described the pace of military efforts in Iraq
as "deliberate" and steady.
"Fast is not what we are looking for," he said.
The chairman said it is important to maintain a pace that
ensures the Iraqi forces lead the effort as the Iraqi government moves to
bridge the sectarian divides that have plagued the nation.
"This must be their fight," he said.
Strong Partner to the United States
Dempsey and the Italian officials praised the strong ties
between their countries.
"Our bilateral relationship has probably never been
stronger, at least in recent years," Dempsey said, remarking that Italy is
a key ally and valuable partner to the United States.
"I think that's a combination of factors; one is our
deep history and the fact that our two people are so intertwined both here and
back in the United States," he said.
'Great Foundation' for New Italian Chief of Defense
Dempsey thanked Binelli Mantelli, who is retiring next
month, for his dedicated service to Italy and its allies, and in keeping Italy
safe.
"It's a great compliment to you," Dempsey said.
"You've established a great foundation for (incoming Chief of Defense)
Gen. (Claudio) Graziano to build on."
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