Since the inception of the two-MRC standard, the United States has invested in a range of platforms, systems, and capabilities that have significantly enhanced its ability to conduct large-scale joint and combined operations.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center for Security Policy | The Measure of a Superpower: A Two Major Regional Contingency Military for the 21st Century

Foreign Secretary William Hague has insisted Nato's decision to scale down joint patrols with Afghan forces will have a "minimal" impact on UK strategy.

BBC: William Hague

The talks are more likely to lead to an alliance, through several joint ventures, than a full-scale merger.

ECONOMIST: Transatlantic aerobatics