Mark Rutte Takes Over as NATO Chief Amid Global Challenges

Mark Rutte, the former Dutch Prime Minister, has taken over as the new Secretary-General of NATO, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg. Rutte has a background in politics, having led the Netherlands for 14 years, and is expected to bring his coalition-building skills to the role. He will face challenges such as Russia's war in Ukraine and political uncertainty in Washington. Observers note that Rutte's political survival skills will be put to the test as he leads the military alliance's response to Russia's actions. Rutte has stated that he is determined to prepare NATO for the challenges of the future, but his first major test will be the outcome of the Nov. 5 vote. Russia and China are also mentioned as significant challenges for NATO under Rutte's leadership.