Global Affairs

The decoupling of US and Europe

Trump's order to pull out almost 10,000 American troops adds to the fraying of once-strong bonds forged during World War II

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"We're not yet at divorce. But we're already at a much lower level of cohabitation than before."

That is how Mr Peter Beyer, the German politician in charge of coordinating his country's relations with the United States, reacted to the recent announcement that President Donald Trump has ordered the withdrawal of almost 10,000 US troops from Europe.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 22, 2020, with the headline The decoupling of US and Europe. Subscribe