I see that John Kerry is complaining about Bush's plan to redeploy troops from bases in Europe and Asia.

Kerry said the redeployment would undermine relations with U.S. allies needed to help fight in Iraq and in the war on terror. It also would endanger national security as the United States is working to deter North Korea nuclear program, he said.

As far as I have heard we will be pulling the bulk of troops out of Germany. A country, to put it mildly, that has been a less than enthusiastic supporter of our efforts in Iraq. This is also from the guy who voted against the funding for our efforts in Iraq. I am interested in knowing how having all of those troops in Germany helps to protect the US. As for the troops that would be pulled from South Korea it seems to me that if North Korea does in fact have nukes it is prudent to reduce the number troops that would be first in line to be incinerated should the North Koreans decide to nuke the South Koreans. Given the South’s tendency to appease their Northern neighbors, and the hostility that is sometimes directed at the American military based there, it would make sense for them to shoulder more of the burden of their own defense. This also goes for the Germans.