Enduring Freedom
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DW's Nina Werkhäuser thinks Germany's participation in Operation Enduring Freedom is not making the world a safer place. How can she honestly believe withdrawing from OEF, or any of the other operations, will make the world a safer place? She cannot, based on reality and the need to maintain waging the war on terror wherever it is. Accept it or not, there is a war in the world that was started with attacks on the United States, even prior to September 11. And it is time to stop blaming the United States for the war's existence. Further, the time is overdue to stop acting as if this war is of no concern to Germany and the rest of Europe. Why not ask yourself, how close to your house must the war come before you think it is time to be involved? -- Mark Wald, US
From the onset I believed that invading Iraq was wrong and respected Germany's resolve in not becoming embroiled in that conflict. However, even though the US has mishandled the situation in Afghanistan, OEF is a legitimate effort to contain terrorism. The Germans, at least from media reports, appear to have been complaining about their role there from day one. While I truly do not think Germany should have to continue to thank the US forever for the Berlin airlift or for our troops playing a role in Germany's defense, I am somewhat chagrined as a veteran who served in Germany that the Germans are looking for a free ride. If Germany does not want a role in defending the free world, then it should give up its military, plant flowers, and let whoever walk over it. -- Rudy Rau, US
The writer demands Germany gets out of all commitments to fight against terrorism. Though not stated outright, that is the crux of her argument. Germany is one of the Group of Eight highly industrialized countries and has certain moral obligations to lesser nations. What does the writer wants to happen? A Germany not involved in any worrisome projects? Isolation is not the answer. Germany, or for that matter any nation, has got to strike a balance. -- Benedict Aloysius, Australia
By all means Germany should withdraw from the war on terrorism! After all, other braver nations will do the dirty work necessary to enable Germany, Inc. to continue to flood the world with Mercedes and BMWs, while sanctimoniously criticizing the world's appetite for oil! -- Alfred Lindner, US
