Pentagon chief seeks to reassure NATO over US troop plans

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By LORNE COOK

BRUSSELS (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Friday sought to reassure allies at NATO that Washington will consult them on any future troop movements, after President Donald Trump surprised partners at the military alliance by announcing the withdrawal of thousands of personnel from Germany.

At a time when videoconferencing has become the norm due to the coronavirus, Esper paid a short in-person visit to NATO headquarters in Brussels, a week after several allied defense ministers expressed concern about the unpredictability of U.S. troop plans in Europe and amid a draw down in Afghanistan.

“I welcome that the U.S. is consulting with allies, while making clear that the U.S. commitment to European security remains strong,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in a joint video statement before holding talks with Esper. Both men arrived at their lecterns wearing face masks.

Media are not generally permitted to enter NATO headquarters because of virus-related restrictions.



U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, left, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg participate in a joint press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Friday, June 26, 2020. U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper is at NATO to follow-up on a broad range of issues raised during last week's NATO defense ministerial. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, Pool)


Read more: https://apnews.com/25a5fb3566a4646d3f8982cb52acff61

[kimbutgar]

1. I predict these troop movements will occur very slowly and not happen until the result of November

3rd are determined. You know the career military is not happy with this crazy decision.

[paleotn]

2. Ssssssllllllllooooooowwwwww waaaaaaaallllllllkkkkk

Foot dragging can be very useful sometimes. The trick is not look like you're doing it. Experienced managers know it's as much as art as a science.

[martouf]

3. I bet Merkel and German Citizens might be pleased if the US left

There are certainly a lot of great people serving in the US military. There are also a lot of mouth-breathing, knuckle-draggers who I bet Germany would be happy to be rid of.

[yankee87]

4. Reassuring Allies

I wish we would draw down our troops, but instead of redeploying, we should cut all military spending by 10% per year until we reach 50% reduction. Use the money to rebuild American infrastructure, college tuition grants, etc.