David Cameron Next GS of NATO?

Apparently, David Cameron's name has been linked with the position of Secretary General of NATO. Cameron's record as the UK Prime Minister is hardly a qualification.

As UK Prime Minisrer his austerity measures proved an abject failure. Indeed, during his tenure at the nations helm government debt rose from just under £1 trillion, April 2010 to around £1.5 trillion by February 2015. As a proportion of the country’s GDP it rose from 60% to 80%.

His record on welfare was dire. The government’s insistence on continuing to use the fatally flawed Work Capability Assessment, and their constant attacks on disability benefits and services, are stark examples of his failed regime.

Internationally Cameron’s intervention in Libya was a disaster. As with Blair’s adventure in Iraq, Cameron’s interference lacked accurate intelligence analysis. Once involved, the UK’s intervention became part of the regime change goal. Post Gaddafi we, along with our allies, failed to assist in Libya’s reconstruction.

The consequences of the regime change in Libya ignited a protracted civil war; an opening for ISIS in North Africa; and, with the shores of Libya launching unseaworthy vessels crammed with people desperately fleeing war and poverty – many not reaching safety, instead drowning in the Mediterranean.

Speaking on behalf of Cameron, Oliver Letwin recommends him to the position, which pays a tidy tax-free salary of £222,019. According to Letwin, Cameron is qualified for this top defence posting as he has the ‘steady nerves’ needed for the role.

Steady nerves? Hardly the first quality I’d associate with David Cameron. Failing dismally to win the EU referendum, Cameron carried out the speediest runner in British politics. This, despite his pre-referendum pledge to stay on regardless of the result.

Does NATO want a leader who takes to his heels at the first whiff of trouble? Is Cameron’s nomination to Secretary General of NATO just another job for one of the boys? But then, Tony Blair was elevated Special Envoy of the Quartet on the Middle East.