Germany still has an odd relationship to anything military, because of it’s Nazi past. Germany’s Bundeswehr is finally an active army again - supporting NATO and the UN in peace missions. It took Germany over 50 years to allow military involvement OUTSIDE of Germany.

The Bundeswehr is more and more becoming a professional army - and now that bullets are flying again the military leadership would like to have the same gadgets and gimmicks all other armies have: medals.

There are already some medals, but these are campaign medals which a soldier gets automatically - if he has been brave or not. So the German Generals would like to reintroduce the Iron Cross that has been the medal for valor for a long time.

But because it smacks of militarism and Nazis our politicians go bonkers and refuse that little piece of metal. Sometimes political correctness is simply idiotic. Germany needs to accept it’s bad spots, but also reintegrate the military in a normal and positive way into society. The least thing you can do for young man brave enough to risk their necks for everybody is to give them a nice medal to honor their achievements …

When the USA liberated (and this time it was such a thing) Afghanistan from the Taliban I considered this a good thing. This was actually religious fundamentalism gone mad and very bloody.

The Afghan situation can certainly be blamed on America’s lack of interest after the Soviets left the country and the Taliban used their military power - once provided by America - to terrorize this poor country.

But nevertheless - giving this country a chance to get back on it’s own feet was and still is a good cause. And some fighting was to be expected. The Europeans, Australians and Canadians thought a bit of the Taliban would be still around and annoying. Once again politicians committed troops to do the nation building thing without really thinking about it.

Now several years latter and many dead soldiers and Afghan people the Taliban are a serious threat - again.

Canadians, British, Dutch and Australian troops have been involved in fierce fighting - while German, Italian and French troops stayed save and away from bullets.

Frau Merkel loves posing with the troops, but not committing them to the fight for a good cause.

Although NATO asked Germany several time to commit some combat troops to the fights in the south Frau Bundeskanzler Merkel has successfully avoided supporting OUR allies.

Yesterday it was finally announced to send a combat unit to Afghanistan where already 3.000 German troopers are busy building roads, schools and bridges. Here comes the joke: it’s only a small unit - 250 fighters … and they are replacing 350 Norwegians in the safer north of the country.

Although I believe in Pacifism and not in Militarism - but the Taliban won’t go away, by being nice. If the wars in Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan have taught us anything it’s this: you can’t do Nation Building without security on the ground. And that means confrontation and sticking your head out and catching bullets. People will die.