U.S. Reassures Europe That Defense Ties Are Still Strong

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, center, and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen attend the 48th Munich Security Conference in Munich, Feb. 4, 2012 DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley

Panetta, Clinton Reassure Europe On Security Ties -- Washington Post

MUNICH — In a rare joint appearance overseas, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton sought to reassure European allies that the United States will not diminish its security relationship with the continent even as it withdraws troops and places a higher priority on Asia.

“We will maintain a robust presence in Europe,” Panetta told the annual Munich Security Conference. “That’s not only because the peace and prosperity of Europe is critically important to the United States, but because Europe remains our security partner, our partner of choice for military operations and diplomacy around the world.”

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More News On U.S. Reassurances To Europe On Security Ties

Panetta says US military not abandoning Europe -- Boston.com/AP
Panetta and Clinton Seek To reassure Europe On Troops -- New York Times
U.S. Reassures Europe on Defense Cuts -- Wall Street Journal
Panetta Pledges Troops for NATO Response Force to Assure Europe -- Bloomberg Businessweek
US reassures Europe of commitment to security -- Deutsche Welle
Panetta reassures European allies over defence cuts -- Reuters
Panetta Calls for Europe, NATO Defense Investment -- US Department of Defense
US urges Europe to keep investing in defence -- Asia One
US cuts troops in Europe amid new strategy -- Deutsche Welle

My Comment: They can "sugar-coat" it all that they want, but the bottom line is that many U.S. soldiers are now slated to leave Europe.