[Catspaw]

Why should we stay where we're not wanted?

[Torie]

An administration source would not say much of this, so I don't believe it. Even if the administration wanted to screw the already delapidated German economy, which is in a long term, and perhaps irreversible decline, in part because its educational system is in a state of collapse, that self defeating goal would never be enunciated. The redeployment of troops would be explained on grounds of defense policy, not grounds of economic retaliation.

[tessalu]

I am all for punishing Germany and France, and I hope that the USA will give them just what they deserve. I have German ancestory, and I am ashamed of that bunch. So put them on the shi* list, and keep them there, until they straighten up.

[Momaw Nadon]

Great idea, but where will the troops go to?

[CROSSHIGHWAYMAN]

'We are doing this for one reason only: to harm the German economy,' one source told The Observer last week.

Our troops contribute many millions of dollars. Why should we continue to support a country which has treated Nato and the protection we provided for decades with such incredible contempt?'

Another Pentagon source said: 'The aim is to hit German trade and commerce. It is not just about taking out the troops and equipment; it is also about cancelling commercial contracts and defence-related arrangements.'

Germans are the same in any century.

They are mesmerized to follow the wrong leaders and wrong ideology.

Few can think for themselves!

[NativeNewYorker]

I LOVE THIS GUY!

[LibKill]

I hope this is true. Germany deserves a spanking.

[VRWC_minion]

Maybe we can have a balanced budget afterall. Why are we subsidizing Germany of all places ? It makes no sense.

[JimVT]

This reads like some British Socialistic drivel.

I don't doubt SecRum is looking for ways to save $$$ after Iraq but I serioulsy doubt if he or anyone else in the Admin is ready to toss Germany to the wolves.

Isn't this paper related to The Guardian?

[putupon]

If there has ever been a story I wanted to be true, this is it. U.S. into Iraq, out of Germany-NOW!

[11th_VA]

billions of euros

As Carl Sagen would say, "Billions and billions of Euros..."

[Texas_Jarhead]

PULL 'EM OUT!

[Sofa King]

Sounds like the paper took a few liberties. Those quotes simply don't sound like anything I've ever heard from Rumsfeild.

I'm 100% in support of the move, though. If Germany's politicians are going to spread anti-american sentiment for their own political gain, and if germans elect these people, then it's time to stop considering them allies.

[Tailback]

All you GI's stationed in Germany don't panic! Czech beer is just as good as German and Czech girls are friendlier!

[piasa]

I think the transition to the former Warsaw Pact nations was planned well before the IRaq thing became an issue. It's cheaper.

But if Germans blame it on Schroeder that's OK with me.

[11th_VA]

I was just thinking today, someone should open a warehouse store called 'Buy American' (only American goods). Given the mood of this country right now, it would probably succeed. I'm gonna miss that Rhine River wine.

[americanbychoice]

Add this to the treachery
I just read in the Frankfurt Allgemeine, (FAZ.DE) that the German Government had knowledge since the 9th of August 2002 about Iraq smallpox WMD. The paper is also publishing the momo sent to the Government by their BND (German CIA). The German Health Minister has obtained enough vaccinations for the entire population. Schroeder is still maintaining that they don't have any WMD. Even now he is claiming he didn't get a report. Those of you reading German, look at the copy of the official Memo. This lying A*&*^le pisses me off.

[Redleg Duke]

Roger that. Pull out all forces. We have much better beer and Wisconsin can provide the sausage! As for their autos, they are highly over rated. If they are so damned good, why did they lose the war...twice?

[mollynme]

Check out this post re the possible closing of German bases:

"A lot of people are saying that it's because Germany does not support what appears to be an impending conflict with Iraq, but this is just not true," Major Bill Bigelow, of the U.S. military's European Command in Stuttgart, told F.A.Z. Weekly. "To tie this to a political affair without considering the fact that this has been on the Defense Department's and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's agenda for years is wrong."

[RebelDawg]

America is to punish Germany for leading international opposition to a war against Iraq. The US will withdraw all its troops and bases from there and end military and industrial co-operation between the two countries - moves that could cost the Germans billions of euros.

It's about time!