The North Atlantic Treaty Organization turns 50 this month and with its anniversary comes questions of its necessity in today's international political climate.

NATO originally was founded as a defense organization against Soviet bloc countries during the Cold War. When the Cold War ended with the fall of Russian communism in 1989, NATO was left with no real agenda. Since then, NATO has taken a much more offensive role in world affairs, specifically in combating human rights violations.

NATO has done a decent job in trying to evolve as the world changes, but more is needed. Without the threat of communism, NATO must determine what path it should take in the new millennium.

Eastern Europe was the focal point of NATO's first 50 years, but humanitarian crimes against NATO policy now occur on a world theater. NATO must expand to deal with the world's egregious atrocities, not just those of member nations.

While the United Nations tries to deal with world problems through diplomacy, NATO is a military body with the capability to alleviate such crises with the use of force. Countries guilty of human rights violations seldom take U.N. threats seriously because they have little military might. In these situations, NATO needs to take control and use their force when applicable, such as the movement in Kosovo.

NATO also should expand membership to all countries that meet its requirements, have the same goals and political ideologies. If NATO expects to deal with issues on a world scene, all players must be given the opportunity to join the organization.

The idea of a group of countries joining together to complete common goals is something the world needs. NATO can continue to do the job but must remain open to change as the world changes.