US reassures Europe over defense
The US Defence Secretary has reassured European allies that Washington remains committed to their security despite an austerity drive, as NATO pushed for new ways for alliance members to maintain its capabilities at lower cost.
Leon Panetta said the US Army would still have about 37,000 soldiers in Europe even after it withdraws two of its four combat brigades, about 7,000 soldiers, as part of efforts to cut $487bn from the defence budget over the next decade.