>>>What I found interesting was the fact that South Korea pushed for a slower transition. Especially since there are numerous cases of teens and a faction of the country now wanting the U.S. military out of SKorea.
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>>Exactly my thoughts.
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>>For years now, I've wonder if they had a private vote on this issue, how the vote would turn out. I'm thinking even amongst those who voice their "angst" toward the US military presence, the result would be quite surprising. I would bet the same in Europe as well.
>
>Do you think it would be because of the economic benefits or because of the security worries?


Yes, both.
I would figure if the people voted to have US milliatry leave, US would. But, I don't think the vast majority of the Koreans welcome the idea of dealing with Kim JongIl alone, not to mention China.

Europe, I don't have any feel for their "real" attitude toward US military presence. They may feel since the fall of USSR, they're safe, but Putin has been acting strange lately..... who knows. But my guess is, even if strictly for economic reasons, majority would want them to stay.