[HedgeYourBets]

Wierd, Saudis condem the Hizzballa and back sanctions on Iran.
Europe is even more isolated then before.

[9mm_fan]

Wierd, Saudis condem the Hizzballa and back sanctions on Iran. Europe is even more isolated then before.

Not so weird, I imagine that in terms of who has the power the Saudis are thinking, better the devil we know.

[Slonopotam845]

[QUOTE=AppleEater][QUOTE=rhodescholar]...As such, once the 65,000+ troops are removed from Germany and elsewhere, they will be forced to grow up and accept more responsiblity for their own protection. They will need to then curtail their benefits, and spend much more on defensive needs...
I take it you're not really a Rhodes Scholar; for if you were, you'd know that the US depnds enormously on its military establishments in Europe - primarily in Germany and Greece - for success with its Middle Eastern ambitions. Aside from what you may hear on Fox news, bases such as Ramstein work only to the benefit of the US in a non-cold-war era. They provide critical stations for the refueling of aircraft and 1st world medical care for injured troops. There was certainly a time, when the real threat of communist expansion and possible nuclear proliferation meant that Europe was benefitting somewhat by the position of US troops along these border regions (I use the word "somewhat" because the troops were a red herring). But I can tell you that a force of some 70,000 ground forces means essentially squat in today's world and I encourage you to investigate what can be done with them in warfare. Your options are limited to say the least.

I've read a number of your other posts and it would appear that you know nothing of war strategy. How do you suppose the US is to get fuel during its invasion of Iraq and possible others in this region? Where are the planes to land when seriously injured troops require immediate, first-rate medical treatment? Do you really believe that the UAE or Kuwait are good alernatives given that the Arab world already harbours great disdain for America's so-called objective interest in the democratization of the region? Can you not see that this could provide fuel for further terrorist reaction in the region and against allied states such as Israel? What of the cost associated with switching elsewhere? Have you any idea how expensive this can be in terms of both dollars and manpower? Who will defend the troops stationed in this/these Middle Eastern base(s)? What happens if they themselves come under attack by Arab forces? I can go on with the list of questions that would need resolution, but it's obvious that your response would be mentally fleeting and derrogatory.

Regardless of what you may think, Germany has been incredibly hospitable to American GIs. They ask little in return for that. You should be thankful for what they are willing to provide you; and I am appaulled by your blanket misjudgement of Europe for providing US troops with the infrastructure they need to do their daily business in the ME. You must come to realize that nations will always disagree on political matters. Trust however, is earned outside of those discussions and many of the nations being verbally carpet-bombed by people like you (i.e. Germany, France, Spain, Greece, etc.) are open to provide aid to the US in most of their military endeavours. Therefore, if your sentiment is even a slight indication of how the American public truly feel about Europeans, then it's no small wonder why they are reluctant to trust you. I have served with American troops, and from what I gather, they are a pleasant, proud, and compassionate military. It's a shame that the guys sitting behind computer screens in the safety of their homes can be so callous toward others.

No man is an island. Remember that one before you open your mouth to fart. Sonny boy, I served in the middle east before you were born, so f--k off with your BS condescending tone. You are a piece of sh^t alright, so I will only spend a short time attacking your garbage post.

Let the euros who are benefitting enormously from the US bases there PAY for them. The US taxpayer could be benefitting hugely from a massive re-alignment of US bases, and were the US to force the euros to start taking over some of the massive defensive umbrella the US is alone supporting, they would benefit even more.

For decades, the EU has enjoyed the protection of the US army bases, which serve as a deterrant to potential terror attacks on their soil - while the US has shouldered that burden, PLUS 25% of the UN budget.

If the EU is going to pay fat pension and health benefits to its citizens, on the backs of the US taxpayer, a point you clearly ran away from, then they had better start toeing the US line a whole hell of a lot better.

The US citizenry, with its 45 million plus citizens without health care, are running out of patience with the fat, wealthy, 2 month-long vacationing euros who spend 1% of their GDP on defense.

[PhillipHer]

The US proposed to withdraw essentially all of its troops from South Korea a few years back. The RoK's response was horror as the US represented about USD$8 billion/year in defence spending the RoK did not have to spend. This is about 50% of the total defence budget of the RoK.

Similarly when the US proposed a force realignmnet in Germany it was the German who complained that it would represent a USD$17 billion committment they didn't want to make.

So if you have an issue with this then take it up with the EU. They are the ones who have big problems with American disengagement.

[Lillie_Steins]

Oh yes, it's Germany's fault. I encourage you to take that message directly to the injured American troops stationed at AFB Ramstein. And while you're at it, please notify the German medical specialists and hospitalization infrastructure minister to stop servicing the wounded - let them know how you really feel.

It's not their 'fault'. It's simply a case of when we have proposed this, it's the host country that's suddenly discovered that's not in their own best interest. And frankly, we and you could have a medical facility w/o the need to station ten's of thousands of troops.