| Submit your comments on this article |
| Europe |
| German President Koehler quits amid row over military |
| 2010-05-31 |
| German President Horst Koehler says he is resigning immediately, following criticism of remarks he made about German military deployments abroad. Mr Koehler, whose job is largely ceremonial, had linked missions such as the Afghanistan deployment with the defence of economic interests. His remarks drew criticism from a number of German politicians. |
| Posted by:tipper |
| #4 Perhaps he sees his piece in this as done. He has started a discussion that cannot be put to bed without much further examination. What is Germany's function in world affairs? In NATO? They F*cked up royal 70 years ago, should they pay for that forever? Most living Germans have no blood on their hands, why should they sit back and let those pigs in Brussels browbeat them into a subjugate position any longer. |
| Posted by: bigjim-CA 2010-05-31 19:12 |
| #3 What he said has been German military doctrine since 1992. (If you need the German documents I can link to them) It's a case of massive hypocrisy. But Köhler acted like a "beleidigte Leberwurst" (like a prima donna). He deserted. Lost my respect. |
| Posted by: European Conservative 2010-05-31 17:32 |
| #2 I have also thought about this and have watched in surprise while Germany has gradually re-entered the war theater. |
| Posted by: Dr. Strangeluv 2010-05-31 12:36 |
| #1 While his comments sounded innocuous, they were very loaded. From the start of the WoT, the Germans have been very careful to say the *only* reason they are sending forces out of country is to defend themselves against terrorism. This was done very incrementally because of strict rules against war for any other reason than strict self defense. However, his comments were interpreted by everybody to the effect that Germany should be able to deploy soldiers internationally for economic reasons. Which freaked out their political classes. What hasn't been mentioned is how much the typical German on the street agrees with him. And this is a poll which will *not* be taken, because there is a good chance that a lot of Germans do agree with him. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2010-05-31 10:29 |