GREAT. I asked for troops pulled out fo Europe completely, and all i get is a shift in location

Dont surprise me tho, we knew this was comming when Germany opposed US action in Iraq.

A punishment then?

I would say punishment combined with strategically repositioning our resources for future use/conflict.

Problem is, that means we are repositioning our troops into what the former soviet union used as its "buffer zone"... considering how paranoid the Russians are (and with reason) this is likely to make them a bit nervous.

I don't see it as a strike at the Germans.
Russia simply isn't the threat that it once was.

The US forces are more useful deployed in the Balkans.
They're an ideal staging post for the Middle East.

The West's borders have expanded. So has her front line of defense.

Yes, and conviently, at a time when we are at odds with Europe.

How delightful!

This has Rummy all over it. He's one nasty fella.

You gotta go with the ones who will dance with you, and our old allies are not so allied with us anymore it appears. It's like we are raising children now in these new NATO sign-ons.

[Edited on 4-6-2003 by Tyriffic]