SPIEGEL ONLINE
- June 12, 2013
Germany's flood relief efforts have prompted the Bundeswehr's biggest-ever humanitarian mission on German soil, with 19,000 troops deployed. For some, the military presence evokes alarming images, but flood victims have learned to appreciate the help. By Rainer Leurs in Osterholz, Germany more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- June 03, 2013
Pressure on German Defense Minister Thomas de Maizière has increased this week on revelations that his ministry knew of problems facing Berlin's now-cancelled surveillance drone program over a year ago, but did nothing. NATO now fears that Germany will withdraw from the alliance's own drone project. By SPIEGEL Staff more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 28, 2013
German Defense Minister Thomas de Maiziére is under fire after he cancelled a half-billion euro surveillance drone program that he knew was in trouble years ago. The scandal could create problems for Chancellor Merkel's re-election campaign. By SPIEGEL Staff
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SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 22, 2013
Thomas de Maizière has long been a close ally of Chancellor Angela Merkel. But the defense minister now finds himself at the center of controversy after cancelling Germany's half-billion euro surveillance drone program last week. He has allegedly known about the project's problems for months. By SPIEGEL Staff more... [ Comment ]
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... [ Comment ]
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... [ Comment ]
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... [ Comment ]
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... [ Comment ]
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... [ Comment ]
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... [ Comment ]
