So, you don't understand the difference with this deal in present day context? Unsurprising really.

This is a deal specifically with the US. WE (not sure if you still want to be included in that term) don't rely on NATO's approval for bases, etc. The previous deal was through NATO.

If you haven't noticed, NATO has some members who have been choosing to diverge significantly from the US in recent years...particularly so when the the money teet dried up.

Also, with climate warming changes, the Northwest passage has become a big thing, and the Chinese and Russians have been making a FAR more aggressive push in the past decade than they were post WWII. This seals them out going forward with no option to manipulate other NATO countries into blocking us from what we need to do.

You didn't understand this. You didn't WANT to understand this.

Suggestion: the next time you call someone ignorant, make sure that you aren't the ignorant one,