Posted on 01/13/2006 5:09:29 AM PST by Atlantic Bridge
In an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE, Gary Schmitt of the conservative American Enterprise Institute discusses Angela Merkel's popularity among the American right. Just having a leader the Bush administration respects, he says, will help improve relations. Ex-chancellor Schröder, on the other hand, was "running things out of his back pocket."
(Excerpt) Read more at service.spiegel.de ...
PING!
If major miltitary action is needed against Iran, much will be done via the air..the massive US base structure in Germany will be brought into play...OTOH..I look for Merkel to try to stop the closing of the US bases..
Why should she? It´s not all about money. We simply accept the need for restructuring the US military. Now, we would wonder if your tried to leave NATO AB Ramstein, but that step would be unlikely. Why do you think we would only follow the money instead of honest motives? I mean, it´s like if I reproached Bush with starting the Iraq war for oil.
Yes, I´m so happy now. I was longing for this moment to come for years, especially since I registered on FR. I always told our American FRiends how things would improve under Merkel. And I can be confident that I wasn´t biting more than I could chew.
well a continue of the disasters we are used to experience- she sure stands for stability.
The movement of these bases and US air wings to eastern Europe puts them closer to the southwest asia/Iran hot spot..and more importantly, the treasties being negotiated will not require the US to get permission every time we want to stage out of them..
Yu may be too young to remember the US raid on Libya..but France refused us overflight , so the F-111's from Britan had to take the long way around..necessetating an extra 12 hours and 3 mid air refuelings before the strike..the afteraction reports believe that the fatigue/stress of that mission way well have contributed to the loss of the US aircrews....so, never again..
Well, let´s step right into it. We can definitely expect improvements in the health and pensions sectors. Also, the budget crisis will be fixed. And then let´s not put all the blame on her, half of her cabinet is socialist!
The restructuring is already decided and there´s nothing Merkel or any other German politician could do about it. But these bases aren´t moving to the East. Some eastern European countries get one or two bases, but half of the withdrawed troops move back to the US. Last time Germany refused overflight rights for US aircraft was May 7th 1945 ;-). Even during the Iraq war there was no doubt that Germany fulfills its obligations as an ally. Everything else would have meant the end of NATO. Don´t worry, 35,000 GI´s will remain here, mostly on Airbases. And they´re welcome. :-)
Glad to hear it..thanks for the info..I was under the impression ( obviously in error, from your data,) that it was still "under discussion"
No, the discussion went on (what an coincidence) after the Iraq war in 2004, maybe until spring 2005. But it´s pretty clear which bases will be handed over and which not. Friedberg e.g. will become a commercial area, Rhein-Main is becoming part of Frankfurt International Airport, and so on. Landstuhl, Ramstein and Grafenwöhr will be kept among very few others.
Yep! To be true: I wasn't that convinced of Merkel when she was in the opposition, but day by day she gets more likeable by simply doing the things that have to be done.
Sometimes it can be a great satisfaction to go wrong. ;-)
Wait and see. It doesn't help whining around and do nothing. She is just in the beginning and she needs time. Espechially the "small" business has to be freed from taxes and red tape. This is for sure. But Rome wasn't buildt in just one day either.
BTW - The higher VAT in 2007 has its reason in a unequal burden-sharing. Although the argumentation for the raise is quite logical I am afraid that the burden itself just will get bigger.
I'm hoping Merkel takes a hard-line on Iran - with actions not just words. That's the only way war with Iran will be avoided - if Iran recognizes that Europe will side with the U.S. this time, and is willing to back up words with actions.
hold it - you are getting euphoric again :)
I could do it - but I am probably too expensive.
Sure the budget will be fixed...
... and the socialists have demanded to raise VAT for an 'economy enhancing program ?
She stands for state funded economy and she needs no socialist to have these ideas !
hey - you be happy not to drive a mercedes.
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