June 5, 2004
AND?:
Germans fear problems if U.S. removes troops (Richard Bernstein, June 05, 2004, New York Times)
he notion that fully two divisions now based in Germany are likely to be sent elsewhere was decidedly not well received in this country, where military analysts said they continued to hope that the Americans could be persuaded to retain a large military presence here."I hope the political decision has not yet been made," Christian Schmidt, a spokesman for the opposition Christian Democratic Union, said in a telephone interview, "and that at the D-Day talks and at the NATO summit in Istanbul at the end of this month there will be serious talks about the necessity to have the Americans politically and military engaged in Europe."
"I think that the American administration has not yet fully considered the consequences of such a decision, which would basically wipe out the United States military presence in 'Old Europe,'" Schmidt said, referring to countries like Germany and France.
Withdrawing U.S. troops from Germany would clearly upset many arrangements now already decades old. There is, for example, the economic importance to Germany of many thousands of American troops living in this country with their families, some in towns heavily dependent on their presence.
Missing from all these stories is any suggestion of why we should care that the Germans (or South Koreans, or whoever) are upset. Posted by Orrin Judd at June 5, 2004 7:19 AM
What kind of dream world do they live in? They constantly bash America, then are stunned we might reconsider where our troops are best located. Actions have consequences, and I hope we follow throught asap.
Posted by: Kay at June 5, 2004 10:05 AMOJ, haven't you been listening to Kerry? We can't make any decisions without getting the input of the Germans, French, UN, Chinese, Tahitians and Lilliputians...
Posted by: jsmith at June 5, 2004 11:40 AMIn September we will have had troops in Germany for 60 years. The last Russian forces left in 1994.
This may be the first time that the Times has questioned an American troop withdrawal.
Posted by: George at June 5, 2004 11:51 AMResentment is a synonym for gratitude.
Posted by: Uncle Bill at June 5, 2004 5:51 PMit's about damn time!
the germans and the south koreans reserve the right to criticize and hate America yet still expect to reap the economic and security benefits provided by us.
we keep hearing about our american military in iraq as "occupiers." you'd think that the germans and south koreans would be glad that these "occupiers" are finally pulling out from their home soil. instead, they are shocked, and worried how this will affect their future economic situation - both in terms of lost business and an increase in military spending.
funny how that is...
Posted by: anne at June 5, 2004 7:26 PMFinally! An exit strategy for US troops from Germany!
And it only took 60 years! Now ya'll shut up about the "no exit strategy" from Iraq after just one year.
And BTW, where's the exit strategy for our troops in Bosnia? HUH?
Posted by: Oswald Booth Czolgosz at June 5, 2004 9:09 PMGet them all out of both countries and the sooner the better. Bush must be re-elected.
Posted by: genecis at June 7, 2004 9:57 PM