[Skybird]

Originally Posted by Dan D

Yes,yes, but what about the Germans?

According to this author, here is a picture: http://ricks.foreignpolicy.com/about_thomas_e_ricks

..Germany has been unleashed by the Euro, he [Robert Kaplan] said, and the country is showing itself to be an "avant garde" major power, wielding influence politically and economically but not militarily. At least for the moment: "I don't believe that German quasi-pacifism is permanent."

..I also think that the rise of Germany may make NATO relevant again. Remember the old line from the 1950s, that "the purpose of NATO was to keep the Soviets out, the Americans in, and the Germans down"? Well, if Germany is beginning to throw around its weight, NATO may be the way to control that a bit. Keep in mind that the history of Europe since the Romans has been basically, What to do about Germany?"

Could be a mistake for the US to leave the NATO :-)
Can you trust the Germans?

No.

Saying this as a German being at war with his country's political drift. If I were younger again and would have a realistic perspective, I would leave Germany. And the whole EU, of course, but especially Germany.