German defense minister: Planned US withdrawal 'regrettable'

BERLIN (AP) — Germany's defense minister on Friday described the planned withdrawal of some 12,000 U.S. troops from her country as “regrettable,” while suggesting it underlines the need for Europe to do more for its own security. American defense leaders said Wednesday that the U.S. will...

US to bring 6,400 troops home from Germany, move 5,600 more

WASHINGTON (AP) — Spurred on by President Donald Trump's demand to pull troops out of Germany, the U.S. will bring about 6,400 forces home and shift about 5,600 to other countries in Europe, American defense leaders said Wednesday, detailing a Pentagon plan that will cost billions of dollars and take years...

US to withdraw troops from Germany, sending 6,400 home and 5,400 to other countries, under shakeup sought by Trump

Esper says US considering troop 'adjustments' in South Korea

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon is considering “adjustments” to its military presence in South Korea and around the globe as it shifts from years of countering insurgencies and militants in the greater Middle East to focusing on China, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Tuesday. Esper said he...

German governors urge Congress to stop troop withdrawal plan

BERLIN (AP) — The governors of the four German states that are home to critical U.S. military facilities are urging members of U.S. Congress to try and force President Donald Trump to back down from plans to withdraw more than a quarter of American troops from the country. In the letter, obtained Monday by...

Editorial Roundup: US

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad: ___ July 7 The Washington Post on a new U.S. guideline forcing international students to leave the country or transfer to another college if their schools only offer online classes this fall: The Trump administration has used the novel coronavirus...

Russia still to decide whether to stay in overflight treaty

Russia is keeping all options open following the U.S. decision to withdraw from an international treaty allowing observation flights over military facilities, a top Russian diplomat said Monday. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said after a video call with senior diplomats from other participating countries...

Critics of US-Taliban deal say militants can't be trusted

WASHINGTON (AP) — Intelligence that Afghan militants might have accepted Russian bounties for killing American troops did not scuttle the U.S.-Taliban agreement or President Donald Trump’s plan to withdraw thousands more troops from the war. It did give critics of the deal another reason to say the...

Changes in military recruiting may endure after pandemic

WASHINGTON (AP) — With his Army recruiting office shuttered due to the coronavirus, Staff Sgt. Anthony Holt has had to be creative to meet his enlistment goals. Using social media is one way. Signing up the grocery delivery guy is another. Holt asked the man how he ended up with the virtual shopping job....

Pentagon chief seeks to reassure NATO over US troop plans

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...