Stars and Stripes reports that “NATO leaders are gathering in Wales Thursday to confront the threat of Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine and a host of unfinished business in Afghanistan.”  

President Barack Obama flew to Europe on Tuesday, stopping first in Estonia, where on Wednesday he sought to reassure NATO countries of the United States’ ‘unwavering’ commitment to the alliance’s collective defense.”  

“He and other leaders at the summit of NATO heads of state are meeting at a posh resort not far from the Welsh capital of Cardiff. Such events are typically well-scripted and offer few surprises, but this summit finds the alliance facing a myriad of security issues that challenge its capabilities and purpose.”  

Defense News offers a special report on the Wales meeting: “A long-term NATO Readiness Action Plan to deal with global upheaval in areas such as Russia, the Middle East and North Africa will be a key focus of NATO’s summit in Wales, an alliance official said.”