Spain's Torrejon Air Base outside Madrid boasts the longest runway in Western Europe. Last week, as usual, that shimmering 2.8-mile ribbon of concrete served as takeoff and touchdown point for U.S. F-16 fighters flying daily practice missions. But suburban Madrilenos, grown used to wincing at the ear- splitting shriek from the planes, took comfort in the knowledge that they would not have to endure it indefinitely. As the result of negotiations between the U.S. and the Socialist government of Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez, the 79 F-16s flown by the U.S. Air Force's 401st Tactical Fighter Wing must leave Torrejon by May...
Diplomacy Growing Troubles for U.S. Bases |
High costs and inhospitable hosts hamper installations abroad
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