Germany to Help Train Iraqi Military

[Hawkeye-X]

Germany will help train the Iraqi military -- but not on Iraqi soil. The announcement comes just days before a NATO summit, leading some to wonder what role the alliance will play in the region.

Responding to a request made by the newly appointed Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, Germany and Italy pledged to help train the Iraqi military. Allawi made the request in the form of a formal letter sent to the NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer on Wednesday.

But while Italy has pledged unconditional support, vowing to train Iraqi soldiers in Italy, Iraq, or neighboring countries, Germany's role will be limited. According to German officials, the offer will likely only extend to a few Iraqi officers, who will be invited for training at military facilities in Germany. The officials made it very clear that Germany will not reverse its position on sending uniformed soldiers to the region and has drawn "a red line" under the issue.

Germany to Help Train Iraqi Military

[James T. Kirk]

1. Good news.

"Germany, however, has not remained entirely uninvolved. Chancellor Gerhard Schröder has sent experts to help train more than 230 Iraqi police in the neighboring United Arab Emirates and has pledged financial support for reconstruction."
http://www.dw-world.de/english/0,3367,7489_A_1245922_1_A,00.html

Sehr Gut! Every little bit helps! I wish they could have gotten in there sooner.

[goforit]

2. Hmmmm.............very interesting.

look forward to hearing a follow-up of this!!!