US to punish German 'treachery'

The Observer (U.K.) ^ | 02/16/03 | Peter Beaumont, David Rose and Paul Beaver

[eno_]

You're right. If we hastened the decline of Germany, our official reply would be "Oops, we only meant to realign our alliances to more relevant areas. Sorry about the economy thing. Hey, how about I buy a cookoo clock?"

[RebelDawg]

Oh this is from the observer... Well I'm still going to hope that there is some shred of truth to the story! LOL!

[Bernard]

Actually, given germany's socialism and the emigration of muslims into the country, it might be a good idea to leave a few troops as a "pre-occupation" force when we have to liberate germany from the suicide-bomber religion.

After that, though, we have most of the old-soviet bloc coutries, such as Poland, which would love to have us there. The world changes, and we need to change with it.

Next step would be to get france off the un security council and replace it with a permanent vote from India. The only reason france got on the security council in the first place was a favor after WW II - the country was a total disaster and should have spent it's time rebuilding itself.

[tessalu]

I have read that the troops will go to Poland and Bulgaria, and both need a boost in their economy. It seems that Germany does not need any assistance from us!
Austria has refused permission for out troops to pass through to put them on the "bad" list, too. I am really a bit shocked that Germany has been such a louse of a "friend", but I am not surprised about France, for they have always been turkeys, the really lousy kind.

[eno_]

As eastward movement would also cost Russia any chance of intimidating former Soviet colonies at some future time. What's not to like. That would pay back Russia's squishiness, too.

[Nick Danger]

An administration source would not say much of this, so I don't believe it.

I don't either. These quotes are made up; the story is a crock. A lot of this stuff may well happen, but no one in a serious capacity would say these things out loud.

[jpthomas]

Probably cheaper too! (The beer, not the girls.)

Let us not forget that the name Budweiser comes from the Czech town of Budvar. When their local brewery began marketing Budweiser beer in Europe, their American namesake sued to stop them from using the name, which corresponds to the German pronunciation for their town. The American company lost the suit. I think GIs would appreciate a cold Bud, Czech style.

[Diana Rose]

when we have to liberate germany from the suicide-bomber religion

Don't bet on it.

[bfree]

Great idea, but where will the troops go to?

Was the article too long for you to read? It clearly states which countries want the base's.

[Allan]

If this threatened invasion of Iraq is just a hoax
why should the US be so upset with France and Germany?
Aren't these countries just helping them out with their plan?

[sd-joe]

Are you confused. You certainly have strange ideas. Where do you get the idea that people are told what to think. This is America. Where are you from?

[virgil]

I'm not sure why wanting to leave is considered bullying either.

[Catspaw]

Of course the article is spinning and spinning hard. But it doesn't make any sense to continue to keep as many bases in Germany as we did at the end of the Cold War--and to spread out our bases in Europe.

Then again, I like the idea of Schroeder's spincter tightening just a bit.

[Zeroisanumber]

I'd have to go with the State Department on this one. Seeking to harm Germany in retaliation for not locksteping in behind us is short-sighted and ultimately self-defeating. Yes, we disagree, but kicking the legs out from under an ally's economy in a fit of pique is idiotic.

[Torie]

Are you a Quisling too? :)

[rface]

Under these plans, the US would move its troops in Europe eastwards to countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic and the Baltic states, all of which have strongly supported America's line against Saddam Hussein. It is likely that the overall size of the deployment would be reduced, as the US military changes its priorities for a long-term and disparate engagement with international terrorism. ...

Damn!! I was thinking this just yesterday - I have to re-configure my tin-foil beany, they have breached the security it has provided me. The now read my thoughts and publish them in British tabloids!

[eno_]

There are no wolves to toss Germany to. The Soviet Empire is no longer toe to toe with the West right in the middle of Germany. What important thing is Germany near? Latvia has a former Soviet garrison/port city on the Baltic the U.S. could own outright for less than a year's rent in Germany. Poland has room to train. Who needs Germany?

[snooter55]

So let it be written, so let it be done !
Snooter ;o)

[Catspaw]

That's if you consider Germany an ally.

[section9]

Remember, this article was written in The Observer, the Sunday variant of The Guardian.

Part of this story has the ring of truth: Rummy, Rice and the entire administration, especially Powell, are pissed at the Hun. They actually understand the Frogs being Frogs, but cannot abide what Schroeder and his people are doing.

But they are not relocating people from Germany for spite's sake.

Redeployment from the Bundesrepublik has been on the drawing boards for years. Most of the Americans leaving Germany will eventually be returned to the States. No way are the Big Red One and the Old Ironsides divisions going to be sent back to Germany after the war. They are going to be redeployed home, along with their equipment.

I doubt they'll be sent to Poland, Spain, or Slovakia, for that matter. You might see a brigade attached to the Polish Army, but that's it.

This stuff would have happened with or without the war. There's simply no strategic reason to remain in Krautland.

Be Seeing You,

Chris