While Germany debates how their military could participate in the UN force being sent to southern Lebanon, one of the governing parties in Germany's coalition government is concerned. Kurt Beck of the SPD voiced that concern:
But any participation in peace-keeping in the middle-east makes some Germans uneasy - picturing a situation where Germans would have to shoot at Israeli soldiers.
Before today's meeting, Mr Beck said he wanted to avoid any situation where German and Israeli soldiers come in conflict with one another.
Um, Mr. Beck, the UN is being sent to southern Lebanon to confront and disarm Hizbollah to protect Israel from that terrorist group. No need for shooting Israelis at all--that's what Hizbollah was doing.
I know that UN resolutions are long and boring, but really, read this one all the way through to the end instead of just assuming that since the UN passed it, the resolution must be anti-Israel.
Look, I'm happy Germany is willing to step up to this mission. I've been more than comforted that Germany is reversing course after the shameful anti-Americanism of the Schroeder government. Germany was once a strong ally through the Cold War (remember the Fulda Gap?) and will be again, I think.
But if this mission is that unclear, I suggest the German government keep its troops at home and wait for the next opportunity to contribute to collective security.
