Bush calls troops home

WASHINGTON – President George W Bush’s plan to call tens of thousands of US troops home from Europe and Asia could gain him election-year applause from military families, but won’t ease the strain on soldiers still battling violent factions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In a speech yesterday at the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention in Cincinnati, Bush was to announce one of the largest troop realignments since the end of the Cold War. Senior administration officials say Bush’s plan affects 70 000 or more uniformed military personnel plus 100 000 of their family members and support personnel.A significant portion would be sent to bases in the United States, although others could be shifted to posts in Eastern Europe, they said.Senior administration officials say Bush’s plan affects 70 000 or more uniformed military personnel plus 100 000 of their family members and support personnel.A significant portion would be sent to bases in the United States, although others could be shifted to posts in Eastern Europe, they said.