Amid growing progress toward a deal to end the Korean War, President Trump has ordered the Pentagon to begin drawing up options for a substantial drawing down of US ground troops deployed in South Korea. Roughly 30,000 US troops are currently deployed in South Korea.
North Korea is not demanding a US drawdown, and South Korea opposes such a move. US officials agree, however, that if a peace deal is reached the US simply won’t have a reason to keep so many troops on the Korean Peninsula.
Defense Secretary James Mattis had previously hinted at a possible pullout of US troops from South Korea earlier this week, saying it would involve consulting with allies. Such a move is unlikely to happen in the very near future, as such a large deployment would involve substantial debate.
Trump’s specific order to start drawing up plans reflects growing confidence in the diplomatic process with North Korea. Trump is set to have a summit with Kim Jong-un at some point in the next several weeks, which could be a major breakthrough in relations, and further advance the cause of peace.
Pentagon’s answer: “Hell no.”
White House: “Ok, whatever you say.”
Lol! That is funny and should be included in NewYork Times Sunday edition.
Why would there be a reason to keep ANY troops there if there is a peace agreement?
I think that sends the right message and I agree with wars r us. Bring all the troops back from SK once we are sure peace will last.
Whatever you think of Trump, he has the right instincts, he wants out of Korea and out of the Middle East. However, everytime he tried to remove American troops from these regions, the deep state seeks to further push America into another middle east war. Its literally one man against the entire state apparatus.