Germany Seethes Over Rumsfeld Jibe, Protests Planned

Reuters | 2/07/03

[kattracks]

Feb. 7

— MUNICH, Germany (Reuters) - Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld faces a hostile reception on Friday from German politicians and peace activists over his remark that the country's anti-war stance put it on a par with Libya and Cuba.

Rumsfeld was due to address an annual security conference in the southern German city of Munich on Saturday and was expected to argue that allowing more time for weapons inspections in Iraq makes sense only if Iraq cooperates with the United Nations.

Mass protests are planned in Munich on Friday and at the weekend against the security conference, Rumsfeld's visit and the threat of war in the Gulf, with police warning of possible violence. Some 3,500 officers are on duty to try keep the peace.

Rumsfeld's comments on Wednesday putting Germany in the same category as Libya and Cuba as states that would not be helpful in any international effort to overthrow Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein have infuriated many, putting new pressure on already strained transatlantic ties.

"These comments of Rumsfeld should help bring more people out onto the street," said Raied Naieem, a member of the anti-globalization group Attac that is organizing the protests. Rumsfeld is due to fly onto Germany from Italy later on Friday.

Rumsfeld's comments, which came just weeks after he riled France and Germany by labeling them "Old Europe" for their reticence over military action, angered many politicians too.

Karsten Voigt, the German government's top adviser on U.S. relations, said Rumsfeld was forgetting that Germany was deeply engaged in peacekeeping missions in the Balkans and Afghanistan.

"Whoever fails to mention that publicly, is making a political mistake, I think," he told Bayerischen Rundfunk radio.

While Germany has ruled out involvement in any military strike on Iraq, it has pledged fly-over rights and freedom of movement for the some 70,000 U.S. forces based in the country and German troops are helping to guard U.S. bases.

TIES STRAINED

In a separate interview with DeutschlandRadio, Voigt said: "It is not wise to so frivolously endanger a partnership, which is of high significance for us and the Americans, through negligent comments."

Klaus Naumann, former chaiman of NATO's military committee, said however justified U.S. criticism might be of Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's opposition to a war with Iraq, Rumsfeld's comments were no way to treat a loyal ally.

"Germany is and remains a reliable alliance partner," he told ZDF television. "That's not the way to treat partners.

Schroeder, whose anti-war stance is popular in a country still haunted by World War II and was credited with helping him win a second term last year, has come under increasing pressure to soften his position or risk isolation if Washington eventually wins over other skeptical allies like France.

Richard Perle, a senior adviser to the Defense Department, blamed his center-left government for the relationship between Berlin and Washington reaching such a low.

"After the way the current government has treated the United States, repairing the damage in the near future is unlikely," he told the Handelsblatt business daily. "With a new government that would certainly be possible."

Germany, which holds the presidency of the 15-member U.N. Security Council, along with veto-wielding members France, Russia and China want inspectors to have more time to find out whether Iraq possesses weapons of mass destruction.

As he arrived in Rome for talks on Friday, Rumsfeld insisted there would be "no hard sell" directed at France or Germany.

"They are going to make up their own minds and they have. Germany certainly has. I would assume they would stick with it. I just don't know. I don't know what France will do," he said.

He said the number of U.S. troops in Germany could be reduced under a study of U.S. basing needs that has been underway for two years, but gave no hint decisions were close.

[Ligeia]

WT

[Michael81Dus]

I don´t say that criticizing the Schröder Administration is wrong, I say comparing US (not only his friends) with evil countries is extremly disgraceful and insulting.

[Let's Roll]

Ditto - whatever

[Mamzelle]

"Seethe"--I don't think the old Kraut from Old Europe can seethe. It must be a typo. Shouldn't this read, "Wheeze"?

[ch.man]

I certainly like the man for the same reasons.

[ThomasMore]

These Germans forget real quick who it was that dumped billions into rebuilding their country after we whooped them in a war THEY started. They also forget who spent billions in time and money to free them from the yoke of communism and help reunite their homeland.

The Germans need more than the little chiding that Rummy gave them. They need a good boot in the butt!

Thanks for the thread, kattracks!

[geedee]

I like most of what you post. BUT you're wrong here, hoss. In war there is two choices to be made. The choice for "alleged" allies should be plain. German leaders don't think so.

Do I think Germany should agree with everything we say and/or do? No. But silent dissent is a helluva lot different than the "in your face" BS Schroeder has given us.

If the Germans want to salvage this relationship, and it's their responsibility to do so since they caused the rift in the first place, they'd best look up the definition of ALLY in the dictionary. Mine says "see synonyms at partner." Schroeder is not our partner.

Please warn your countrymen. You're a valued FReeper...but even you have missed the virulent anger the French and Germans are stirring up in my countrymen.

Terrorists and the countries who support them declared war on the United States on 9-11. We've answered the call. The rest of the world has choices to make. There is two to pick from.

[evad]

..Their people see nothing for which sacrifice is worthwhile.

I agree with all you said except they have no problem sacrificing thousands of lives...as long as they aren't French lives.

What a totally pathetic ungrateful smelly bunch.

[ncpastor]

I think we're learning that clarity flushes the cowards and traitors out!

[geedee]

Maybe I thought too highly of you, son. If you think Pee Wee Clinton's lies in any way equate to a German Official comparing our President to Hitler, then, I'm afraid, I've seriously over-estimated you.

[An.American.Expatriate]

How about:

Zwischen «erwachsenen» Nationen müsse es sich nicht nur um das «Wie und Wann», sondern auch um das «Ob» drehen, sagte der Kanzler der «New York Times».

Translation "Between grown-up nations ..." Which definately implies that Schröder feels that Bush and His Administration (or even all of America!) is immature!

This is coming directly from Schröder! NOT from a non-diplomat!

Is this enough, or should I keep looking for more quotes??

[evad]

..on the other hand, I feel disappointed with the Germans.

I have always thought of them as a proud people, misguided at times but at least proud to be what they are.

Now I don't know what to think.

[Michael81Dus]

Geedee,

I told you all that it´s no problem to criticize Schröder, but the way Rumsfeld does is not appropriate.

The Iraq conflict has no relations to Al Quaida and I cannot see a response to 9-11 by attacking Iraq. To cool down the emotional posts against Germany is why I´m here. The relationship needs help more than ever, we need calm and reasonable politicians, diplomats, and no Rumsfeld, Schröder or former Minister Däubler-Gmelin. All statements widening the gap between both nations must not go on.

Germany IS a partner, one of the most active in the war against terrorism. Probably UK helps you more than we do, but we´re standing in the first row in various places.
It´s simply not true to say that we´re not helping you.
The government decided not to help in case of Iraq, that´s the only disagreement in the war against terrorism.

Michael

[Michael81Dus]

Keep looking for more quotes, Schröder meant that our nations both are grown up, and we nor you are kidding.

[skeeter]

We´re NOT COMPARABLE to US ENEMIES.

Some of us have not forgotten the tactics Schroeder used to win the last election... do you think comparing a highly popular US president to Hitler is the proper way to treat an ally?

[Michael81Dus]

You haven´t understood me. It is wrong to blame a people for the words of a single person. We don´t call you a nation of liars and you shouldn´t call us a nation that compares your president with Hitler. Alright?

[geedee]

...he makes me thinking if we shouldn´t call for the withdrawal of all US soldiers out of Germany. Why not veto all decisions in NATO and build up nukes for our own?

I think I'd best stop reading your nonsense. You'd best just cool the F off. Be careful that your rash mouth doesn't overload your humming bird ass.

Why? Lemme give you a quick history lesson. WHY IN THE HELL ARE THE AMERICAN TROOPS THERE IN THE FIRST DAMN PLACE? TO PROTECT EUROPEAN ASSES FROM THE USSR!

Two of my uncles died on German soil in 1945. A cousin died in France. Thousands and thousands of American families can say the same thing. How many of your relatives have died looking after American interests?

If you and your countrymen want our troops out of there, it suits the F outta me. But do not think you nor anyone else in your country will get away with questioning American motives or courage. You wouldn't be free to express your anger if Americans hadn't given their lives for your freedom. A simple thank you will suffice.

A slap in the face from someone like Schroeder will be answered in kind...and then some. How serious the rebuke is...and how long it lasts, is up to those who started the pissing contest in the first place.

[Michael81Dus]

No, the government apologized for that. It is not right to answer one fault with another. Do you think comparing an ally with enemies is appropriate?

[An.American.Expatriate]

But I "feel" it implies that Schröder say that Americans are immature.

Can you not see what I am driving at?? There is a major difference between a statement of opinion and a statement of fact. Also, even if Rumsfeld did intend to "slap" Germany, maybe it was to show you in whose company you are?