Trump's Germany troops pullout may be his last gift to Putin before the election

[underpants]

https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/02/politics/trump-germany-troops-russia-intl/index.html

Little surprise, then, that the Kremlin is gleefully exploiting Europe's consternation, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov telling CNN: "We never hid that [we think] the less American solders there are on the European continent the calmer it is in Europe."

Trump is the gift that keeps on giving for the Kremlin: his unpredictability, while often a pain, for them is continual grist for their propaganda mill.

Whatever Trump's motive, be it petulance or indeed a strategic pivot to Asia, as Esper has explained in recent weeks, the reality leaves allies rattled and runs counter to the US's long-term benefit; now those European countries must look to themselves for defense -- not for a quick fix, but as a major strategic shift.

He is simultaneously enabling Russian President Vladimir Putin, a strategic foe who is already on the offensive, while disabling allies vital in that same fight. It is a double own goal, typical of a US President who insists on playing by his own rules.

[5X]

1. If he gets away with it, putin will think of something else. n/t

[Thomas Hurt]

2. This is supposed to take years and can be short circuited when the Pig is done.

[dutch777]

3. Last I read, while removing troops from Germany, they were staying in Europe...

...some in Poland I think. If that is still the plan that is actually worse positioning for the Russians, at least militarily, as it puts more Americans as triggers closer to Russia. I think this is more about thumbing a nose to Germany/Merkel on Trump's part than helping Putin militarily although any bad vibes within NATO makes Putin happy I am sure. And Trump likes the Polish government style more than the Germans. And I think the German protest is more about losing 12k soldiers that spend cash in the local economy.

Assuming the troops are moving elsewhere within NATO, it would be interesting to know if this is to existing bases with necessary supply and support infrastructure or if it means a bunch of new expensive construction. That would be something to paint Trump with in addition to the basic childish stupidity of the move. And as others noted, if Trump is gone soon, this move can probably be stopped before its executed.

[underpants]

4. Italy Belgium and Poland

The paper I was stationed at is now closed. There were several facilities around the community so I would expect at least some expansion with new troops moving in to existing bases.

[Igel]

5. Link

https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/2292311/dod-proposes-removing-more-than-11000-troops-from-germany/

11 900, so both "more than 11000" and almost "12000".

Draw down of 6400 back to US, with mention of rotating other troops in but not permanently stationing them in Europe. The remainder head to other places. People tend to not think, somehow, that Putin doesn't like US forces in Poland. Suwalski and all that.

I find interesting the idea of air forces relocated to Italy to provide better Black Sea support. That means they're better positioned to help in Ukraine, if that's what's ordered, but also in the Balkans.

Don't know if it's all a good idea. But it should be presented for what it is and not as a baton for bashing in opponents' heads.