Germany in rethink on Iraq force deployment[They like Kerry] [View All]

[AnIndependentTexan]

http://news.ft.com/cms/s/0b76459e-1c80-11d9-8d72-00000e2511c8.html


Germany in rethink on Iraq force deployment
By Hugh Williamson and Gerrit Wiesmann in Berlin
Published: October 12 2004 22:07 | Last updated: October 12 2004 22:07

Germany might deploy troops in Iraq if conditions there change, Peter Struck, the German defence minister, indicated on Tuesday in a gesture that appears to provide backing for John Kerry, the US Democratic presidential challenger

Berlin has refused to comment on the outcome of the US election, but Mr Struck's comments are significant as Mr Kerry has argued that he would be able to draw in countries to work in Iraq that opposed the war. Gerhard Schröder, the German chancellor, was a leading opponent of the US-led Iraq war and his re-election in 2002 was secured in part on support for this stance.

Mr Struck said Germany's attendance at the conference proposed by Mr Kerry did not mean Berlin would immediately deploy troops. Analysts in Berlin argue that a Kerry victory would increase pressure on Germany to step up its involvement in Iraq, even though public opinion is still firmly against the US role in Iraq and against any heightened German engagement.