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Mark Esper: U.S. troops leaving Germany likely to stay in Eastern Europe

As published (Defense News - October 21, 2020) - Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Defense officials are looking at deploying U.S. soldiers closer to the Russian border after their departure from Germany are under consideration, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said.


In July, Esper announced the transfer of 12,000 troops, notably of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, the only brigade-size U.S. ground combat force in Europe, from U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria.


On Tuesday, he told a conference of the Atlantic Council that the regiment could maintain a presence in countries on NATO's eastern flank, adjacent to Russia, on a rotational basis.



"[Following] my recent meetings with the defense ministers from Romania and Bulgaria, and correspondence received from Baltic States, there is now the real opportunity of keeping the 2nd Cavalry Regiment forward in some of these countries on an enduring basis," Esper said.

Collapse of the Assad Regime

December 8, 2024
The collapse of the brutal Assad regime may not be the last domino to fall in this region. Iran is now the weakest it’s been in decades with the apparent loss of its Syrian client state; the collapse of its Axis of Resistance, especially Hezbollah; and the continued economic, social, and political duress the regime imposes on ordinary Iranians. Might this corrupt theocracy be the next regime to fall? Let’s hope. Watch the Interview Here .

The Fall of Damascus

December 8, 2024
As I noted yesterday, Damascus will fall if Assad flees. This morning it is believed that Assad has left the country and the rebels control the capital. The question now is “who” and “how” will Syria be governed? Right now we should celebrate Assad’s fall and this strategic defeat for Russia and Iran. Watch the Interview Here.

Never Forget

December 7, 2024
Never Forget. And let’s also not forget the key to preventing a future global conflict like WWII — a strong, modern, and capable U.S. military aligned with equally capable Allies/Partners, all of whom are committed to President Reagan’s mantra of “Peace Through Strength.” 

Syria and a new order in the Middle East

December 2, 2024
As I told Kasie Hunt, "I was a little surprised ... I think it is significant ... you can see the chessboard in the Middle East is changing around right now in front of our eyes." Watch the Interview Here .

Potential Hezbollah Ceasefire

November 26, 2024
Implementation — specifically, ensuring Hezbollah doesn’t return forces to the south of Lebanon as they did in violation of the 2006 UN resolution that ended that conflict — is critical to the success of this agreement. Glad that Israel asserted the right to enforce this agreement via the IDF if violations do occur. Watch the Interview Here.

Thoughts on President Elect Trump's Cabinet Picks

November 25, 2024
See my thoughts on two of President-elect Trump’s national security nominees, their path ahead to Senate consideration, and some of the tough questions each will face as this important constitutional process plays out between two coequal branches of American go. Watch the interview Here .
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