[Michael81Dus]

Huh? Ladies and Gentlemen,

why tf do you think this is related to the war against Iraq? And while we are on it, why do you confuse the war on terror with the war against Iraq? Even CENTCOM separates them, so why shouldn´t we do so?

Germany opposed the Iraq war, but is actively on Americas side in the war on terrorism. This is a matter of fact, and everyone who claims otherwise should look up the official websites.

Btt, the Pentagon planned to reduce its forces in Europe since years, and it´s understandable that there´s no need for 70,000 servicemen and -women in the heart of Europe. There´ll be two or three dozens of thousands soldiers kept to obtain important bases like Ramstein - a strategical key base in Europe.

But it makes sense to withdraw the 1st infantry division and the 1st armoured division. Times change, and so the US armed forces move on.

Regards from Germany,

Michael

[Broadside Joe]

"And while we are on it, why do you confuse the war on terror with the war against Iraq?"

Did Saddam or did he not support terrorism?

http://209.157.64.200/focus/f-news/1106657/posts
Saddam Warned of WTC Attack Before 9/11, Praised Bin Laden Afterwards

http://209.157.64.200/focus/f-news/1105679/posts

[madison10]

Sorry for overreacting. The protests from the German youngsters outside the bases I've heard & read about led me to believe it was a "we hate the war on terrorism" issue + they hate Americans.

Anyway, since the Cold war is over, I guess Germany doesn't need to our presence as much. ;)

[freedumb2003]

Germany opposed the Iraq war, but is actively on Americas side in the war on terrorism.

It has no choice -- witness Spain. If it doesn't cooperate in stopping the WOT it can and will be one of the necxt targets. Don't forget Hamburg's role in 9/11. Germany may hate America (witness the last presidential election, their lack of support on Iraq, etc.) but the LOVE our money.

Let the EU pay for its own military. We have no debt to pay to keep our troops there to help its economy or butress it.

Now that Spain has shown its true colors, all od Old Europe can strangle on it own socilaist economic mailaise.

[Fledermaus]

Where does CentCom separate them? Iraq is a BATTLE in the WAR on TERROR. Not a separate engagement at all.

[Roy Tucker]

I would close Ramstein down as well. If it is strategic, it can be reconstituted in Poland as easily. I think absolutely no US troops in Germany would be good policy. Let the more appreciative Central European economies (who know who their real enemies are) benefit economically from the presence of US troops.