| Final Step of Rehab |
26 May 2003
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Schroeder Changes Mission of Germany Army
German Chancellor Schroeder has managed to push his country into the final stage of rehabilitation from the nightmare of its Nazi interlude by getting a new mission and force structure ready for the army, the Bundeswehr. German troops acting in defense of Germany inside Germany was the sum total of German defense policy until Kosovo. Now, there will be German troops acting anywhere in the world, deployed quickly and prepared to fight. Any nervousness is the result of ideas that died in the last century.
The new policy, which will require a great deal of follow through and public relations activity, is simply an acknowledgement of a few simple facts. First, the Cold War is over, and Russia is more likely to be a friend than a foe. Second, Germany is the most powerful country in Europe based on the synthesis of its population, economy, and geographical position. Third, the threats to Germany and its allies in the foreseeable future will come from outside Europe.
There are a few voices suggesting that Germany still cannot be trusted given its history of 60-odd years ago. This is incredibly unfair, but consider the alternatives: another European power assumes the role of leader, or no such power exists.
In the case of the former, only Britain, France or Russia have the ability to step into the role. Britain and Russia, though, are
on the periphery of Europe in one way or another. As for France, it has spent the last fifty years of diplomacy trying to make German power benign, and at the same time, supportive of France through Europe. French leadership here would be the tail wagging the dog.
Were no nation to step forward to lead Europe, as this move by Mr. Schoeder must be interpreted, then Europe would begin a decline in importance relative to North America and Asia that would yield a more violent and less stable world.
After two generations of pennance, enough is enough. There are places where German troops will be welcomed, where they are needed, and where they can contribute to peace. It is time to get on with the job.