The United States is cutting back its deployments in Germany by nearly 12,000 troops and shifting some of those forces around the continent, including relocating some units to Belgium and Italy, Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper announced on Wednesday. About 6,400 troops are set to return to the United States. The move is certain to rankle European leaders and anger both Democratic and Republican lawmakers who see the United States troop presence on the continent, especially in Germany, as a cornerstone of post-World War II order. “I am confident that the alliance will be all the better and stronger for it,” Mr. Esper told reporters. “We can see some moves begin within weeks.”The Pentagon’s decision to cut American troops in Germany from roughly 36,000 to about 24,000 is in keeping with President Trump’s “America First” approach and his deep-seated drive to bring home U.S. forces from wars started after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Source: New York Times July 29, 2020 14:14 UTC