I think Bush and Merkel put their heads together on this one. Bush can see that the troops lining up for participation in this UNIFIL force are more pro-Hezbollah in sympathy than pro-Israel. Merkel is very pro-Israel. She is anti-Hezbollah and terrorists, unlike her horrible predecessor Gerard Schroeder. Merkel and Bush get along well, and she, like Tony Blair, sees the dangers that terrorism brings. I'm delighted Germany will be coming in, as it will offset some of the other force members, and might actually fight Hezbollah, and protect Israel. Germany has a golden opportunity here to give back to the Jewish nation that which it once sought to destroy, the lives of the Jews. Plus they can effectively patrol by air the Syrian-Lebanon border and prevent re-arming of Hezbollah. I'd never trust the French or Turks to do that. So, bravo, Merkel, you go girl.
I am kinda focused on "they are they to protect Jewish lives". Maybe the Germans are really ready to face their past and prove that things are different now. Maybe I am naive.
Guess she liked that neckrub.