Germans in Afghanistan

[Surferbeetle]

From the German Newspaper Spiegel (Mirror)

'Bavarian vote slows Bundeswehr in Afghanistan'

Die Furcht der CSU-Führung vor einer Schlappe bei der Landtagswahl im September hat Auswirkungen auf den Afghanistan-Einsatz der Bundeswehr. Nach Informationen des SPIEGEL soll die Truppe erst im Oktober verstärkt werden. Es droht neuer Ärger mit den Verbündeten.

“The fear of the CSU Leadership (Christian Social Union – a conservative German political party headquartered in Bavaria) of a slap (at their policies) in the state vote (Germany has 16 Lander or States) in September has affected the Afghanistan mission of the Bundeswehr. Spiegel has learned that the troops are to be increased in October. This has threatened to again upset the political alliance.”

More in German at the link....

[Jedburgh]

Spiegel Online, 19 May 08: German Special Forces in Afghanistan Let Taliban Commander Escape

German special forces had an important Taliban commander in their sights in Afghanistan. But he escaped -- because the Germans were not authorized to use lethal force. The German government's hands-tied approach to the war is causing friction with its NATO allies......

[Uboat509]

Spiegel Online, 19 May 08: German Special Forces in Afghanistan Let Taliban Commander Escape

I just had a conversation today with a friend of mine who has extensive experience in Afghanistan about this very issue. He was just flabbergasted at some of the ROEs used by various NATO forces. Just as the article points out they end up being self defeating.

SFC W