US military to close 15 bases in Europe

American Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has confirmed that the United States plans to close 15 military bases across Europe. The Pentagon claims that the move will save $500 million a year and will allow the government to shift its attention towards Asia. 

The United States currently has 60,000 troops stationed in Europe, mostly in Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. The number will remain the same as the US plans to implement rotations in troop training programs. Most of the closures will affect small bases established during the Cold War. 

This news is a sign that the United States is anticipating that tensions in Asia may boil over soon. Considering recent tensions with North Korea, China, and Russia it is only common sense to focus defense efforts in the region for the time being.