Afghanistan: Kerry, Hagel urge ‘transatlantic renaissance’ to confront political and security challenges --- MUNICH — In an unusual joint appearance overseas, Secretary of State John F. Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told European allies Saturday that Washington would depend more heavily on them to tackle a litany of political and security crises, even as the two pushed back against concerns that the Obama administration was abdicating leadership on the same issues. -- The two senior members of Obama’s Cabinet told a gathering of world leaders, business executives, journalists and others at the annual Munich Security Conference that a “transatlantic renaissance” was necessary to confront an array of challenges, from climate change to violent extremism in the Middle East and collapsing states in Africa. -- In contrast with past lectures from U.S. officials, Kerry and Hagel did not hector European countries to simply boost military spending or send more troops to hot spots around the world. Instead, the U.S. leaders exhibited an uncommon measure of humility, gently urging rather than exhorting their European allies to work together to project their influence over Syria, Iran and Afghanistan. -- “In order to meet today’s challenges both near and far, America needs a strong Europe, and Europe needs a committed and engaged America,” Kerry said. “That means turning inward is not an option for any of us. When we lead together, others will join us. But when we don’t, the simple fact is few are prepared or willing to step up.” -- The Americans encountered some concern, however, that the Obama administration was retreating from Washington’s traditional leadership role in security matters, citing its unwillingness to become directly involved in the civil war in Syria or the popular uprising in Ukraine.