[pepsionice]

This quiet action had been going around Germany for two weeks. The Germans had heard that a 'review' had occurred and that the US was seeing what contracts it had already signed and what contracts were in the process. At the national level, the German government could care less. At the local and regional level, this means loss of jobs and capital. It undermines the SPD support at the regional level in the areas that the Americans maintain bases. Its a poor tool to use for this type of situation, but its one of the few tools that the US actually can use.

[PhiKapMom]

I have a better tool -- pull all of our troops out of Germany and station them in countries that want us! Getting fed up with the Anti-American rhetoric coming out of Germany at most levels.

[CanisMajor2002]

Whoo hoo! The U.S. Excrement List is in full force! I would have thought France would be a charter member though...

[First_Salute]

This is a serious mistake; it's a repeat of what secured in many Germans' minds, the chance that nationalizing socialism was a risk they would have to take.

The Germans have every right to say no to our adventures ... as long as they stay out of the way.

But to try and squeeze the Germans economically, when they are already facing hard times, is poor planning; and that is an understatement.

The Germans have been very good allies, and they do not merit any disrespect nor economic tryst.

[McGavin999]

I don't think it's a poor tool at all. And the German government WILL care when they realize the loss of taxes those contracts would have provided. More unemployed will also do Schroeder no good at all. Anti-Americanism has a price.

[Atchafalaya]

Bull, I'd bet my last dollar that after the dust has settled and the paperwork (invoicies) is talleyed; the former US allies have made a megashitload more than 364 billion a year selling stoff to Saddam. There is a Frog that came hopping in on a sunny day in that mix also. They are both dirty!!!!!!!!!

[finnman69]

Lets move the bases to Poland.

[southernnorthcarolina]

Anyone who owns stock in German companies might want to consider bailing, even though they've mostly been hammered already. This can't be good for BASF, Daimler-Chrysler, Hoechst, Siemens, Deutsche Telekom, Deutsche Bank, etc.

[Porterville]

To Poland!!!

[Kozak]

Time to pull the Legions back from the Rhine.
Let the Krauts police the Balkans while they are at it too. They have prior experience.

[Cathryn Mataga]

Why have US bases in Europe at all? Really, since 9/11, the Russians have been even closer. Seems to me, if the US is going to be in Iraq and Afghanistan long term, we should try to save some expenses by getting out of Europe completely -- so we don't go completely broke.

[OldFriend]

Since one of the finalists in the WTC rebuiling plans is a Berlin based company, I would hope they would NOT be chosen.

[cynicom]

A history of the German mind, always makes one wary of having them as allies.