The American request for more troops for Afghanistan from Europeans is a very serious story in Europe, and especially in Germany, which refused to accede to it.
According to some Germans, this piece from Junge Welt, a German daily, translated as ever by Watching America, fairly captures the mainstream mood in that country.
There is so much animus not only because of America’s request, but also because of the way German politicians have responded to the USA’s approach.
Nevertheless, the skepticism about America’s larger intentions is clear:
Nuland [USA’s ambassador to NATO] said, “If we can get it right in the Hindu Kush, we will also be stronger the next time we are called to defend our security and values so far from home.” In so saying, the ambassador confirmed that in the final analysis the disagreement wasn’t about sending 1000 or 2000 additional German soldiers to Afghanistan, where they will hardly make a difference militarily. It was all about bringing reluctant allies like Germany aboard, above all in combat missions, in order to have them along on the next strategic outings: military intervention in Pakistan and war against Iran.
Robin Koerner is a British-born citizen of the USA, who currently serves as Academic Dean of the John Locke Institute. He holds graduate degrees in both Physics and the Philosophy of Science from the University of Cambridge (U.K.). He is also the founder of WatchingAmerica.com, an organization of over 100 volunteers that translates and posts in English views about the USA from all over the world.
Robin may be best known for having coined the term “Blue Republican” to refer to liberals and independents who joined the GOP to support Ron Paul’s bid for the presidency in 2012 (and, in so doing, launching the largest coalition that existed for that candidate).
Robin’s current work as a trainer and a consultant, and his book If You Can Keep It , focus on overcoming distrust and bridging ideological division to improve politics and lives. His current project, Humilitarian, promotes humility and civility as a basis for improved political discourse and outcomes.