Germany to 'spy on US and UK intelligence gathering' for the first time in 45 years

[jakeXT]

Source: Telegraph

Germany has ordered surveillance of British and American intelligence gathering on its soil to begin for the first time since 1945, according to reports.
Under the decision, US and British intelligence operations in Germany will be subject to the same counter-espionage measures as those of Russia, China and Iran.
“We need to send a strong signal,” a source close to Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government told Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper. The unprecedented move is a direct response to a series of spy scandals that have rocked British and American relations with Germany in the past year.
Mrs Merkel’s government has given the go-ahead to surveillance plans that first emerged after two suspected double agents were found allegedly spying for the Americans inside the German security establishment a few weeks ago.

Read more: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/10988939/Germany-to-spy-on-US-and-UK-intelligence-gathering-for-the-first-time-in-45-years.html

[iandhr]

1. I doubt it's really the first time since 1945

[LarryNM]

2. +1 n/t

[JDPriestly]

4. This is a sign that the German people do not trust the US.

That is why they are announcing it. To let the German people know that the US will not be permitted to spy on them without the German government watching it.

This is the damage that the spying does to the US in its foreign profile. The spying is not worth the damage to US diplomacy. Shame on our stupid NSA for spying on allies to the extent that they have.

[defacto7]

5. When I think about this

it's easier to realize how obsolete the NSA is. There is no real spying anymore. They can't hide from the public or other countries as if they can collect data secretly. The minute clandestine data collection became possible for them on mass, it became redundant and foolish. And that makes the US look redundant and foolish.

The NSA for all intents and purposes is washed up, a trillion dollar waste can. They need to give it up and save us all the embarrassment let alone the loss of credibility and trust. Trust lost is trust lost, it has to be rebuilt from scratch and as long as we have such things as the NSA peeking on our best allies we will have none. As long as they are peeking at citizens, the government will have none from us either.

[candelista]

6. It's the first time they've gone public about it, that's all.

[tom_kelly]

3. I doubt it

They have to say they're going to do something.

[defacto7]

7. Since Germany has us out maneuvered

technologically, in research, and economically, I wouldn't second guess that they mean what they say. Anyway, it's German culture to say exactly what they mean. It's English/American culture to second guess and read between lines. No, they mean it or they would not have have said it in public.

[cstanleytech]

9. Well their companies had alot of help from germanys own intelligence services which is part of the

reason they have that edge atm or atleast if the information about Project Rahab is correct.

[candelista]

8. It's their way of saying, "Wir sind aufgepisst!"

[defacto7]

10. How about

wir sind gepisst.

or... wir sind auf du gepisst (a little informal)

[candelista]

14. Do they really say that? I just made it up!

[defacto7]

16. I have no idea if that's what they say...

But what you said was "We are pissing on..." if you separate auf from gepisst.

I added, "we are pissed" and "we are on you pissing"

Fun with languages.

[whereisjustice]

12. Say what you want, Germany has not flown airplanes into any of our buildings since 9/11

More proof that US freedom and security is only possible by considering everyone a threat against the state.

[lovuian]

13. Germany had a wake up call

they thought we were buddies and realized America's agenda

[WhoWoodaKnew]

15. More political posturing. You don't announce when you're gonna spy.