Today the German defence ministry announced Berlin had pulled out of any military operations in the Mediterranean.It's not like the Germans were a vital part of the coalition, polishing their bayonets while others did the real work of fighting (limited as it is). But they bailed on this war. As are others.
A ministry spokesman said two frigates and two other ships with a crew of 550 would be reverted to German command.
Some 60 to 70 German troops participating in NATO-operated AWACS surveillance operations in the Mediterranean would also be withdrawn, according to the ministry.
Berlin isn't participating in the operation to impose a no-fly zone in Libya and abstained on the U.N. resolution authorising it.
And this is only day four of the war. I can't believe I heard some liberal commentator today boasting of the international coalition now in Libya compared to Iraq in 2003. And the supposed conservative let that pass.
