SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 14, 2013
With the security situation deteriorating in Afghanistan, Chancellor Merkel paid a visit to German troops last week without even informing Afghan President Karzai. The move highlights frosty relations between Berlin and Kabul amid difficult negotiations for the 2014 troop withdrawal. By Ralf Beste, Matthias Gebauer and Gordon Repinski more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- April 19, 2013
In a surprise move, Germany's government announced on Thursday plans to keep up to 800 military trainers in Afghanistan after NATO combat troops withdraw in 2014. Though perhaps bold and symbolic, the move is also tactical in terms of upcoming elections. By Matthias Gebauer more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- April 16, 2013
The German military plans to withdraw from Afghanistan completely by the end of next year. As it pulls out, it leaves behind Afghan employees -- some 1,700 of them -- including interpreters, drivers and kitchen staff. The Taliban has threatened to kill the collaborators. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- March 26, 2013
Over the last 20 years, Germany has taken important steps towards normality, shedding its pacifist doctrine and taking part in combat missions abroad. But Chancellor Angela Merkel's government is undoing that achievement. Its refusal to join foreign deployments is undermining faith in Berlin's reliability. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 21, 2013
Officially, the West plans to continue helping Afghanistan beyond the conclusion of the NATO mission at the end of 2014. But the US is planning a massive withdrawal, leaving behind a skeletal force of only 10,000 troops. Washington's allies will have to fill the gaps that result. By Matthias Gebauer and Christoph Schult more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- October 30, 2012
German intelligence and special forces were instrumental in the recent arrest of Taliban commander Mullah Abdul Rahman. Ever since he hijacked two NATO tanker trucks in 2009, he has been a top priority for Berlin. Now, the government is even considering having him extradited to face justice in Germany. By Matthias Gebauer, Gordon Repinski, Christoph Reuter and Holger Stark more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- October 22, 2012
German soldiers are participating in a European Union mission in Uganda to train Somali soldiers to help bring peace to their wartorn nation. A visit to the camp shows just how difficult it is to turn raw recruits into loyal, effective fighters. Not even Brussels is convinced of the mission's usefulness. By Anne Backhaus and Johannes Korge more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- October 15, 2012
The plan sounds good: Complete withdrawal of German combat troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014. But it is hardly realistic. For one, it is a daunting logistical challenge. For another, troops will have to remain in the country to protect the military trainers who will stay after the main force leaves. By Matthias Gebauer and Gordon Repinski more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- August 09, 2012
The German military is considering the purchase of combat drones. But we should not allow ourselves to be seduced by the idea that an unmanned aircraft is a humane weapon. On the contrary, they expose the true nature of war in all its brutality. An Essay by Dirk Kurbjuweit more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- July 05, 2012
A possible deal that would see a German company deliver hundreds of tanks to Saudi Arabia triggered heated political controversy earlier this year. Now, SPIEGEL ONLINE has learned that the German military is providing training on the latest Leopard 2 tanks in the autocratic country. By Matthias Gebauer more... [ Forum ]
