Germans show little concern over planned US troop withdrawal

8 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 4

Berlin leaders, analysts and citizens say removing 5,000 of roughly 35,000 US troops in Germany is unlikely to weaken national security.
Concern has focused more on possible economic damage to communities hosting American bases than on military risk, despite Trump officials framing the move as punishment over Iran-war criticism and limited support.
US forces have long been based in Germany, first after World War Two, then during the Cold War, and later to support operations including Afghanistan and Iraq.

With Germany building Europe's strongest army, can the continent now defend itself without American help?

While Germans worry about economic losses, is NATO's eastern flank now dangerously exposed to threats?