Remember how knackered the Germans were after Rummy told them he was going to close or downsize some of our bases there? LMAO...they must be reeling now since we are giving the Bulgarians business.
Hey Krauts! Be careful what you wish for...
No problem with us Germans if America reduces its troops in our country. Since the cold-war threat doesn't exist anymore your troops are not needed here for our security in the meantime. Offically the US force have still around 70.000 men and women in Germany. In fact they are much less through the Iraq war and other missions. Maybe 25.000 GIs are still in Germany. If we compare this with the roundabout 350.000 US troops that were based in Germany during the cold war, it is not very impressive anymore.
It is true that there may be some negative local econmomic effects if the last large bases are closed. But we will survive it. 25.000 soldiers who leave are not really a problem for a 80.000.000 people economy. Personally I think it is also in the interest of Germany if those troops are closer to the places were they are needed. It is rather the fact that the investments in the German bases are far too big that Rummy is not in the situation to pull all your troops out of our country. Anyway it could be in your well-known own interest to do so, since it is not said that the current and future gouvernments of Germany will always back the millitary and political desicions of Washington. Schroeders stance on Iraq was probably only a start. Bulgaria and Romania are much less complicated in this point of view.