Schroeder Is Ready to Help The U.S. Rebuild Iraq Now

Wall Street Journal ^ | Thursday, September 18, 2003 | FREDERICK KEMPE and MARC CHAMPION

[presidio9]

BERLIN -- German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said his nation is ready to assist American-led efforts to rebuild and democratize Iraq no matter what happens with a United Nations resolution now being negotiated. The chancellor's comments could mark a turning point in U.S.-German relations, which have been strained by his opposition to the war to oust Saddam Hussein.

[shrinkermd]

Move our soldiers to the East. Keep the hospital in Germany and our money out of Germany.

[Husker8877]

Schroeder should stick to playing a tiny piano as he lays on his belly--not get himself involved in international politics.

[Consort]

No, this is a global problem and all countries have to pitch in.

[Coop]

While Mr. Schroeder said Berlin wouldn't provide any funding

So really, the only thing that's changed is he's presumably going to stop actively obstructing our efforts. Oh joy. [yawn]

[VRWC_minion]

Announced a day or two after the WMD report is quietly delayed ? Interesting timing.

[Prodigal Son]

Yep. We could all sit around and argue about yesterday or we can get on with today and plan for tomorrow. The article has it about right- it's an intricate little diplomatic mating dance going on right now between France/Germany and the US. The US wants them on board and they both realize they should've been on board from the get go. The coming weeks will see most of this ironed out I reckon.

[Republican Red]

So really, the only thing that's changed is he's presumably going to stop actively obstructing our efforts

Anything that weakens France is good in my book. If Germany isn't alighned with France, it's gotta piss off Mr. Chiraq.

[RoseofTexas]

Could it be cause their economy is being FLUSHED down the SEWER?! Bawhhwhahaha! REMOVE everything military from there...PRONTO! If you aren't with us your with the enemy! And that's exactly what the STINKING frogs and Nazi Germany are to the USA...ENEMIES!!

[Smedley]

While Mr. Schroeder said Berlin wouldn't provide any funding, he said that Germany was prepared to help train Iraqi police and military personnel and to work on various infrastructure projects.

Also meaning that Schroder is ready to accept $$contracts$$ from the new Iraqi administration.

[RJL]

Schroeder Is Ready to Help The U.S. Rebuild Iraq Now

I’ll believe it when I see it. What’s in this for Germany?

France and Germany have failed to stand by their long time and generous ally and have taken a purely mercenary stand in Iraq.

France and Germany wouldn’t help the Iraqi people throw off a brutal murderous dictator. They haven’t seen their way clear to help Iraq in any way unless they are well paid with oil, rebuilding contracts or highest on their list, political power over Iraq and the US. They have refused to help at every turn.

I would prefer the US continue working with the Brits and the rest of the coalition of the willing, and tell Germany to keep kissing France’s…

[dfwgator]

Guck Fermany! We've got the Poles to help us, and that's good enough.

[Michael81Dus]

Dear Rose of Texas,

you called my country "Nazi Germany" and your enemy.
Maybe you live back in the 1940´s - then your comment would be correct: Germany was governed by Nazis then and it also was the US enemy.

But, Rose of Texas, times have changed. During the last 5 decades there was no serious decision (security issues) on which the US and German governments have disagreed on, except the war against Iraq this year.

I may tell you that thousands of German soldiers still stand guard at all US facilities in Germany - since January. German special troops still fight aside your troops in Afghanistan and many more of my comrades help to protect the peace in that country as a part of the ISAF mission. Fulfilling US wishes, the German Navy has several worships deployed to the Horn of Africa.

And you, Rose of Texas, call us an enemy of the United States? Because of what reason? And if we were enemies, we surely wouldn´t fight with you (or protect you) but fight against you.

We share the same values and ideals, and we have the same aim: to protect our free societies and the peace.

And if you have a problem with that, I cannot help you.

Oh, and if you come up with the argument that we cannot protect ourselves: It´s wrong! We have no nukes, right, but the reason is that the US didn´t want us to develop our own nuclear weapons back in the 50´s. Our government was entitled by the parliament to build up a nuclear force, DC has asked us of not doing so.

Sincerely,

Michael

[rrrod]

agree 100%...ok germany down on your knees and apologize to the people of the US, our culture, our prez....then after we try you for supporting saddam against US laws, then just maybe we will talk again but the friendship is dead.

[rrrod]

there was announcement a few days ago conerning criminal investigations against co,s that may have done biz with saddam....makes ya wonder why germany is squirming now.....hmmmmmm???

[Michael81Dus]

Fortunately, your Administration, your people, your economy has another viewpoint on that than you.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

But, Lucy only berates him! :)

[Michael81Dus]

I know you´re the one who never replies and who thinks that all Germans are evil and little ugly dwarfs. But I´ll answer your question, why Germany prosecutes guy who have dealt with Iraq:

we´ve a system that is based on justice, laws and rights. If someone violates a law, he/she will be punished after a fair trial. He who doesn´t violate a law won´t be punished. That´s so easy. Try it (e.g. with the Camp X-Ray prisoners) and you´ll see that it´s pretty cool!

[rrrod]

hmmmmmmmmmm let see now ,,,munich maasacre...oh how about this one...your gov (ex) nuke soecialtist helping saddam..remember him?? got off with a suspended sentence and a small fine...i think more will come out soon..and dont forget the 9-11 sweet hearts you admire so much had a lot of german connections...perhaps you might be more comfy going to the al qaida web pages??? all the best and thanks for the many laffs you have provided

[Dog Gone]

Schroeder is trying to patch things up, and that's a positive development. It's rather sad that Germany has no funds to contribute, but that's because the current government has made a mess out of the economy.

The help he offered isn't a whole lot. I don't think we're going to fly Iraqis to Germany for police training. He should offer to send Germans to train them in Iraq.

I doubt he will do that, though. So, in the end, this a gesture that conveys a diplomatic message which is welcome. But it probably won't change things in Iraq at all.