Divided Over Germany's Army

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I think the Bundeswehr is no longer needed. Europe seems like such a peaceful place, with quiet rides on London's subways and romantic walks along Paris's fire-lit skies. Why would you need an army in these times? -- JFellmeth

In my opinion, today especially, Germany needs its Bundeswehr. It is a factor very important for good German relations with other countries. -- Ozael

Absolutely! Jawohl! When you really find out that you need armed forces is when you do not have them. Then in an unprepared national emergency you really need them -- an outside military threat or internal insurrection. You realize that you need a military in force, in position, already trained. Not having one is an open invitation for someone to attempt to subvert the state by armed means. Germany can stand on its own. You cannot depend on others to defend you. That is a path to disaster. The reality is Germany can only depend on itself! -- robertjewett

Maybe you should have a look west of the Rhine for the answer as to whether Germany should have a military. One may come in handy in the coming years as the population of unassimilated young Islamic militants make their bad intentions felt. It is ironic that after all the pandering to Arab opinion by European leaders -- by such sordid means as defending Saddam, lionizing Arafat, attacking the US over it's Arab policies -- Arabs riot in Europe while at the same time find adjusting to life in the "Great Satan" just fine. -- petraronish

One only need look at France today to understand clearly that Germany still needs the military. -- wbjenkins

As an "Auslander" I don't think my opinions have any strength (and that is as it should be), but I wonder. Without an army, who or what will defend Germany's interest (or way of life)? Of course, you could go back to depending on outside help (i.e. the USA), but I don't think you would want that (nor would we). I think that Germany and the rest of Europe can afford to defend their interests now, but of course that would cost a lot of money and that would mean less cash for all the welfare "progress" you have made in the past 60 years. -- jdmck