[nathanbedford]

I have often speculated about whether the terrible losses sustained by Germans on the Eastern front have contributed in some perverse way to the present timidity of Germany concerning war in general and Russian aggression in Ukraine in particular.

I know of individuals here in Germany whose fathers made it back from Russia after enduring brutality, unbelievable hardship and internment in Russian gulags. I cannot but surmise that the Germans have collectively concluded, "never again" but in an entirely different context from that which motivates the Israelis.

The German reaction against the invasion of Iraq was virtually unanimous and visceral to the degree that I do not believe they can be explained solely by elitist in control of the media. Unfortunately, this attitude has been turned against America because America is seen not as policeman of the world any longer but as a bully. Yes, elitist left-wing propaganda this fosters this view but the seeds must fall on fertile ground.

[tcrlaf]

I tend to think it is more of a combination of things.

For the oldest of Germans, it is the slaughter of WW1 followed by the destruction of nearly an entire generation in WW2.

For the Middle-aged ones, it’s the divided country and the occupations, both Soviet and Western.

For the younger ones, they only know what they have seen in the movies.