Marian Gallenkamp, 'Afghanistan: Understanding German Objectives and Strategies', Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, 8 July 2009
EXCERPT: "When US President Barack Obama revealed the United States' new Af-Pak strategy on 27 March 2009, it was received exceptionally positive by the American allies including Germany. A new momentum was given, to come up with comprehensive and sustainable solutions to the worsening situation in Afghanistan. Germany was pleased by the change of paradigm in the new US strategy. Federal Foreign Minister Steinmeier said, 'finally we are on the path to a joint strategy, which will bring us joint success' and that the new US strategy 'provides a great number of openings for aligning our approaches'. The emphasize of strengthening civil reconstructions efforts, paired with military efforts to provide security and to wipe out terrorists and extremist elements in Afghanistan, while at the same time shifting the focus to a regional approach and working closer together with Afghan security forces and neighbouring countries, is perceived as a promising new change in dealing with the situation in Afghanistan and eventually improving and strengthening the country's stability."
To continue reading the report, click here [pdf].
See also:
'Germany to increase anti-terror measures before fall elections', Deutsche Welle, 10 July 2009
'German troops beef up fight against Taliban', Spiegel Online, 9 July 2009
'Germany funds projects to support government capacity-building in Afghanistan', ISRIA, 8 July 2009
'Germany ups terrorism alert before election', TIME, 6 July 2009
Related posts:
'Militants may plan attacks before German vote', 2 July 2009
'Germany begins to flex military muscle', 8 May 2009
'What does Berlin want in Afghanistan?', 10 March 2009
'The way forward in Afghanistan', 12 February 2009
'German general breaks silence on Afghanistan', 1 December 2008
