The Süddeutsche: ‘On Friday evening, the US Department of Defense announced plans to withdraw 5,000 American troops from Germany. The withdrawal is expected to be completed within six to twelve months.’

Currently, about 39,000 American soldiers are stationed in Germany.

And: ‘The US announcement also makes it clear that NATO needs to become more "European," said the [German] defense minister [Boris Pistorius]. Germany is on the right track with the growth of the Bundeswehr and the large arms orders.’

Also: ‘CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter sees the current developments as a possible targeted "action against Germany".’ As well: ‘Meanwhile, Green Party leader Franziska Brantner warned against relying on US President Donald Trump for foreign policy, given the United States' announcement.’

In the future, the US will cherry-pick which European states deserve protection. Probably regions. Bavaria will be protected; Berlin and its surroundings will be left to the Russians.

(a sf 2120)