Article

2002-11-26 Middle East

Schroeder pledges Germany will supply Israel with Patriot missiles

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Posted by Steve 2002-11-26 02:44 pm|| || Front Page|| [6 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 This is precious. Despite their proclaimed reluctance to lift a finger, the Krauts will do more than 90% of our "allies" if they send this equipment to Israel to be used against Iraq.

And there is zero way they could turn down a request to provide defensive weapons to Jewish people.

Though I am sure the Patriots will be useful, this request was surely made in part because of how it embarrasses the Germans.

Posted by John B. 2002-11-26 15:19:03|| 2002-11-26 15:19:03|| Front Page Top

#2 John B.,

The request is being made now because Israel asked for these over a year ago, and after receiving no response, are now asking yet again.

Germans never pass up an opportunity to screw over Israel and the Jewish people. Just look at their voting record in the UN.

Or if you've got a long memory, you may recall Germany's deft handling of a certain incident at the Munich Olympics in '72".

Posted by Aracona 2002-11-26 15:56:04|| 2002-11-26 15:56:04|| Front Page Top

#3 I'm sure if the Germans do sent them to Israel, they'll make sure they won't be in working order.

Posted by Anonymous 2002-11-26 20:44:32|| 2002-11-26 20:44:32|| Front Page Top

#4 I seem to recall that the Patriot is an American product and that the usual boilerplate agreement to licence the production of or procurement of requires the other country to request a mother-may-I from the American government. Not that the Americans would withold such a request in this instance, it is a technology transfer that is not an all German act. The Germans have looked at the Patriot as an anti-theater ballistic missile system since the mid-80s. How much they may or may not have adjusted the system's limitations for the threat profile will be interesting to see.

Posted by Don 2002-11-27 09:18:22|| 2002-11-27 09:18:22|| Front Page Top

#5 "The Reuters news agency reported that the German military has said it has six Patriot systems which it no longer needs." Threat level has gone down and these are excess to their current requirements. Most likely they are sitting in a warehouse somewhere, just have to drive them on a plane (C-5) or put them on a ship and they can be in theater soon. Gets them off the German military's property books and gives them good PR when they really need it.

Posted by Steve 2002-11-27 09:39:09|| 2002-11-27 09:39:09|| Front Page Top

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