Rumsfeld Puts Germany On the Same Level as Libya und Cuba

Yahoo Germany ^ | February 6, 2003 | Reuters

[longjack]

Thursday 6. February 2003, 05:03

Rumsfeld Puts Germany On the Same Level as Libya und Cuba

Washington (Reuters) - US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld put Germany on the same level as Libya or Cuba because of it's position on the Iraq Issue.

These countries will never support a US attack on Iraq or the rebuilding of the country after the war Rumsfeld told the US Congress on Wednesday.

There are a "not-insignificant" number of countries that have already approved support to the US for a military incursion against Iraq or the use of military bases and flyover rights, added Rumsfeld. Other countries have signaled they would help with the rebuilding of Iraq if a change of regime occurs there. "Then there are still 3 or 4 countries that have told us they would do nothing at all", said Rumsfeld. "I think Libya, Cuba and Germany are those that have indicated, they wouldn't help in any way."

Last month Rumsfeld described France and Germany's opposition to a military strike against Iraq as a problem. Both countries don't represent the "New Europe", but represented the "Old Europe". A large number of European countries are on the US?s side on the Iraq issue.

German Readers: Yahoo - Germany

Translated by longjack

longjack

[longjack]

If your blood pressure can take it, here's a summary of a puff piece Reuters did on "President" Joschka Fischer yesterday. I wonder if the two stories are connected somehow.

I read a Reuters article describing Fischer's temporary position as president of the Security Council for February and his reaction to Powell's speech.

Among other things he said: Confirm Powell's data with Iraqi data, that is, verify Powells's data on the ground in Iraq; Push for increased, longer inspections and more inspectors, U2 flights, and a 2nd Iraq resolution.

He wants to delay any until resolution past the favorable attack dates in the middle of February through March.

And.., if there was a war, Germany is the perfect candidate for a role in the peace process, since it chose not to go to war. He (Fischer) is well known in the region since he has lobbied for Middle East peace since his first days as Foreign Minister and has won much respect in the region.

For German Readers.. Yahoo-Germany / Reuters Vorsicht!! Kotz Gefahr

Vorsicht!! Kotz Gefahr = Caution!! Barf Alert

[Psalm 73]

We had better make sure that German and French companies are frozen out of the rebuilding contracts - the work should go ONLY to countries that stand with us.
God Bless America, and her allies, and LET'S ROLL !!!

[Boot Hill]

After Saddam Hussein is gone, I would like to see our military government encourage Iraq to honor its long-term oil contracts with France and using the proceeds from those sales to finance the rebuilding of Iraq. (to hell with using our money!)

And in addition to the fun of watching the frogs pay for the rebuilding of Iraq we can have the joy of reminding France that they are only one turn of the valve away from "lights out" (and make sure they know that it's our hand on that valve).

Should Germany and France reap any financial rewards from the rebuilding of Iraq? Hell No! In a pig's eye!

--Boot Hill

[livius]

Nothing bothers these guys. A couple of days ago, Richard Perle said that we should no longer consider France an ally of the US. Pretty strong stuff, no? But the French merely yawned.

I think this is because both France and Germany know that we have a long-standing tradition of forgiving our enemies and letting by-gones be by-gones, and they're counting on us to do it again (after Iraq has ceased to be a problem, thanks to us). I hope they're wrong.

[OldFriend]

IMHO an insult to Libya and Cuba.

[Greybird]

Doesn't the experience of the past bloody century make any of these "leaders" think twice about open insults that may encourage German militarism?

Didn't that particular syndrome have a few hundred thousand negative consequences over here, not boosting anything except the gravestone monument industry?

Rumsfeld is being incredibly reckless. That's long been obvious, though.

[Cincinatus]

Rumsfeld is being incredibly reckless

And you're being incredibly stupid. Do you honestly believe that we should worry about insulting the Germans? Do you honestly believe that its other nations' attitudes to Germany that's responsible for their recurrent bellicosity and obnoxious behavior?

Let's have more opinions from the paleocon kook lobby -- I need a few more good laughs.

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

Of course, it is our fault for being critical...it is obviously not Germany's fault for being aholes. The "don't say something to make them mad" mentality is cowardly at best.

[section9]

Please. A German rendevous with its militarist past will come from the Germans themselves, not from anything we do.

Besides, their pacifism is a result of a healthy realization of what we did to them.

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[uncbob]

Very suttle of Rumy to mention Germany in the same sentence as Libya and Cuba
Guy is great with words

[CharacterCounts]

Rumsfeld is being incredibly reckless. That's long been obvious, though.

So, you are saying that if germany becomes militaristic, it's Rumsfield's fault?

This doesn't appear all that obvious to me.

[lucysmom]

And you're being incredibly stupid. Do you honestly believe that we should worry about insulting the Germans? Do you honestly believe that its other nations' attitudes to Germany that's responsible for their recurrent bellicosity and obnoxious behavior?

If we want allies in the war on terrorism, then yes, Rumsfeld's remark is reckless. Roosevelt said "Speak softly & carry a big stick", Rumsfeld is hurling insults like a bar room brawler. I thought we were the party of grown-ups.

[MamaLucci]

"I think Libya, Cuba and Germany are those that have indicated, they wouldn't help in any way."

Since when is stating facts considered "hurling insults like a bar room brawler?"

[cinFLA]

Doesn't the experience of the past bloody century make any of these "leaders" think twice about open insults that may encourage German militarism?

Our military presence IN Germany is larger than their military.

[wayoverontheright]

Rumsfeld Puts Germany On the Same Level as Libya und Cuba

Rumsfeld's actions didn't "put" anyone anywhere.

"Then there are still 3 or 4 countries that have told us they would do nothing at all", said Rumsfeld. "I think Libya, Cuba and Germany are those that have indicated, they wouldn't help in any way."

But whose actions did put them in that group?

[hchutch]

We took the Germans twice in the last century when they were bigger and less PC.

[lucysmom]

"I think Libya, Cuba and Germany are those that have indicated, they wouldn't help in any way."

Since when is stating facts considered "hurling insults like a bar room brawler?"

You're joking, right?

Linking Germany with Cuba and Libya is an obvious insult, just like telling a man his wife is ugly even if its the truth. It may be emotionally satisfying for the immature it shoot off his mouth, but adults know that there are negative consequences to that kind of behavior.

[Michael81Dus]

Hrehem. Don´t you think that insulting others is wrong, my friend?

[Michael81Dus]

Guy is damaging relations more and more. The situation actually did go worse when Schröder made his anti-war campaign, but now both sides (!!) are making more faults. We need diplomats now.

[Steel Wolf]

Then there are still 3 or 4 countries that have told us they would do nothing at all", said Rumsfeld. "I think Libya, Cuba and Germany are those that have indicated, they wouldn't help in any way."

But whose actions did put them in that group?

Exactly. Rumsfeld didn't put Germany on the same level as Libya and Cuba.

Germany did.