| The Iraqi massacre added to the popularity of the pacifist chancellor As the war in Iraq rages on, the German federal government continues to test the bonds of the North Atlantic Alliance. German pacifists, however, believe that Chancellor Gerhard Schröder's words are at odds with his actions. Yes, Germany is not participating in the aggression against Iraq. However, the government allows unimpeded flight of American-British military aircraft over German territory. Bundeswehr soldiers take part in reconnaissance flights of AWACS aircraft over Turkish territory. In addition, the American central military hospital near Ramstein began to receive the first wounded. According to opponents of the war, even indirect participation in aggression is contrary to the German constitution.
Reports of Turkey's intention to invade northern Iraq prompted Schröder to announce that in response to Ankara's rash decision, he would recall home German soldiers participating in AWACS reconnaissance activities. Schröder accused his political opponents of “an appalling lack of foreign policy responsibility.” As a result, the question of Germany fulfilling at least the minimum partnership duty within NATO was discussed in the Federal Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe. The leadership of the Free Democratic Party addressed this request on Monday, and yesterday until 10 a.m. the judges were waiting for an explanation of their position from the government.
In recent days, the Germans have been trying to avoid overly nervous rhetoric towards NATO partners. A Foreign Ministry representative in Berlin even assured that the government made the decision on AWACS not “in a vacuum,” but “after consultations with partners.” Together with them, the Germans are allegedly working to develop a NATO solution, according to which the activities of reconnaissance aircraft will automatically cease as soon as Turkey invades Northern Iraq and thereby becomes a “participant in hostilities.” Judging by yesterday's statements by a representative of the federal government, the criteria according to which Türkiye can be classified as a warring party have not yet been developed. However, German Defense Minister Peter Struck quite clearly outlined the limits of Ankara's actions: “There should be no strengthening of the Turkish military presence beyond the current level.”
Data has emerged indicating that Federal Chancellor Schröder's authority among German voters is growing. After the start of hostilities between American and British troops in Iraq, the popularity of the Social Democratic Party of Germany increased by 3% (to 32%) compared to the previous week, while the number of supporters of the Christian Democrats fell by the same figure, amounting to 45%. However, 43% of Germans are ready to elect Schröder as chancellor. Only 34% would vote for CDU/CSU chief Angela Merkel, who since November 2002, according to the results of opinion polls, has always been ahead of the chancellor. There is nothing surprising about this. According to the Forsa polling institute, many Social Democratic voters who were previously disillusioned with Schröder returned to the party again after the outbreak of war. Moreover: over 72% of Christian Democrats are against the war in Iraq. Yuri Shpakov, Berlin |
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