Germany to Send 2, 000 Troops to Lebanon

According to "dpa," Germany is likely to send more than 2000 soldiers to South Lebanon, as a part of the United Nation's "UNIFIL"-troops. The final decision in this matter will be made the following Monday by the German parliament.

The troops will take command of the United Nation´s naval forces and help secure the Lebanese Sea. The main goal will be the prevention of smuggling of arms. According to chancellor Angela Merkel, the troops will not take part in any ground combat action because of Germany´s history.

This way Germany takes part in the support of the UN Resolution 1701, which was offered by the European Union. The Resolution 1701 includes an increase of UN military forces from former 2000 soldiers to now 15000 and demands the disarment of the hisbollah forces by the Lebanese military.

Furthermore the Resolution says, that Countries can only send troops if this is directly demanded by the Lebanese government. There was no demand from Lebanon so far, but it is expected to happen in the next time.

"We are prepared for fast action," said government spokesperson Ulrich Wilhelm in Berlin.

Of course this military action is regarded with mixed feelings from both sides, the public as well as the government. The Free Democratic Party is against the assignment of German Troops neither on ground nor on sea. The danger is to high, that German soldiers are getting involved in fighting with Israeli soldiers, said party leader Guido Westerwelle.

Public Opinion is seperated. One side says that it´s time for germany to take responsibility while the other side fears the danger for German soldiers.

"I personally think that it´s a waste of money and manpower. Our troops will not be able to disarm the Ani-Israel Forces in Lebanon plus the danger for them is very high," says Tristan Ludwig, a mediadesigner from Schweinfurt.

"In my opinion, it is time for us to take responsibility. The instability in the middle east is a threat for europe too. We have to do something, and if diplomacy does not longer work, then it's time for military action," says Ernst Geissler, a student from Wuerzburg.

Indeed, Europe has to do something. The crisis in the Middle East really is a threat for all European countries and Europe must take action in order to remain it´s credibility and to enhance it´s influence in these regions. Influnece which is really needed regarding Americas loss in influence and power due to it´s enduring struggle in Iraq.

The only problem is, that this interference is a very risky one. The UN resolution demands the complete disarment of any non-government organisatons in Lebanon, by the Lebanese forces. The question will be, if this is really possible. The Hisbollah has more military power than the government and it´s backed by Syria and Iran.

Chances are high that it´s impossible for Lebanese forces to do as demanded by the United Nations. If this is the case, it will be the task of the UN Troops. A task which will lead to open warfare between UN Troops and Hisbollah forces and thus, indirectly, Syria and Iran. A scenario which is very much feared in both, New York and Brussels.

"In my opinion, it is time for us to take responsibility. The instability in the middle east is a threat for Europe too. We have to do something, and if diplomacy does not longer work, then it's time for military action," says Ernst Geissler, a student from Wuerzburg.

Where Germany was when USA took "responsibility" for the rest of the World, in Irak, Afghanistan and so on?

Almost 5 years after President Bush decided the Middle East needs a transformation to democracy, Old Europe is beginning to come around to its importance.

This is why the United States is a natural leader in dealing with international crisis and Europe is a natural follower. If we wait on Europe, things will never get done. Often, European policies work in direct conflict with US policies. (i.e. not classifying Hizbollah as terrorist, accepting bribes for Iraq's oil-for-food program, negotiating huge energy deals with Iran, not willing to punish Iran over the nuclear program)

When will the Europeans stop critizing President Bush and admit he was right all along?

"Ve are here to help Israel, isn't that right, Schultz?"

"Muzt...not...laf..."

It'd be nice if they can do some good, but I'm certain the UN simply wants to ensure the blood money continues to flow freely. That Germans soldiers should bleed to make it happen matters little to the UN. Prayers for all our troops fighting the good fight against terrorists and fascists. Not a whole lot of difference these days.

Not just Germans, but Dutch, French, Italians, Canadians and Spaniards. Many of our allies who disagree with us on Iraq do think Afghanistan is the right war.

I know; if MSM were anything to go by, you would think that its all "Britain & America/Bush & Blair" although the BBC is starting to include Canada because it has to as soldiers from that country have been killed. I think there are 28 countries involved in some way in Iraq and many more (including Saudi Arabia!) in Afghanistan - see Centcom for more details.

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