[Skybird]

Problem is politics, and communal psychology. Which after two started and lost world wars is no wonder, probably. It has castrated Germany of what was evil - but also of things that are good, namely determination to accept even robust force in defence of what is worth to be defended. Until 1989, it was believed that germany's obligation is to stay out of conflicts and fights, to make up for the mess the Hitler tyranny had created for both Germany's neighbours, and germany itself. I would have preferred to compensate for those wrongdoings by engaging in decisive conflicts for sure - but this time to make sure one is standing up for the just and right side instead of injustice and evil.

Politics maybe will, and to some degree have regained willingness to use tougher force if needed. But the public psychology has not followed that.

Militarily, despite the obvious logistical and number-related deficits, germany could play a military role indeed, and a major one, if ignoring the immense costs of reunification that have seriously handicapped state fiances since '89. There are quite some military technology fields were Germany still belongs to the leading global elite, namely conventional submarines (type 212/214 described as the most silent sub in the world), tanks (Leopard-2 described as the best tank in the world, and by far the most produced western tank), and firearms. The potency of the GSG-9 and the military special commandos called KSK are beyond doubt. The GSG-9 has been modelled after the example of the British SAS, and the KSK earned solid respect for it'S display of capability in Afghanistan. Although since long time the government prefers to waste the KSK presence by letting the specialists sit around in the camps, making them unavailable for military planning and operation.

Politicians should make the decison on war and peace. They should listen on the military'S advise pro and contra the various options. But once they voted for war, they should step aside and leave the running of the show to the military. The only German chancellor who really was an insider and thus, kind of an expert for military stuff, was Helmut Schmidt (Lieutenant in WWII). And it showed in his handling of the terrorism issues during his years (he was adamant and very detemrined, though not easy-minded or irresponsible), and his handling of the great storm tide in Hamburg in the sixties: he bypassed the German authorities and bureaucratic hierarchy completely and directly called the NATO headquarter in Brussel and the Saceur of that time, requesting help the german government was capable of, too, but would have taken too much time to organise by itself. Although people died, many more people saved their lives thanks to Schmidt's unorthodox style and authority (which made him many enemies, but raised him much respect and loyalty by the population).