US urges Germany to reconsider Persian Gulf mission

[brooklynite]

Source: Politico

BERLIN — Washington isn't happy that Germany has rejected its request to join a U.S.-led naval security mission in the Persian Gulf.

America’s ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell urged Berlin to consider its responsibilities, telling the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper that “America has sacrificed a lot to help Germany remain a part of the West." Pointing to the fact Germany is the largest economic power in Europe, he added: “This success brings with it global responsibilities.”

Washington has formally asked Germany to participate in its mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz alongside Britain and France.

But German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Wednesday during a trip to Warsaw that "the German government will not take part in the sea mission presented and planned by the United States," German media reported. Maas added that Germany is in "close coordination with our French partners."

Read more: https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-heiko-maas-rejects-us-request-to-join-security-mission-in-persian-gulf/

[Midnightwalk]

1. Unilateral stupidity

The republican decision to unilaterally break the treaty with Iran has consequences in the real world.

Imagine that.

When you treat your allies as servants you shouldn’t be surprised when they don’t obey.

[Zambero]

2. Why should Germany have to clean up Trump's messes?

Germany and the other negotiating partners were not happy that the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the Iran nuclear agreement and then restored sanctions, resulting in the dangerous and destabilizing situation that now exists. Cause and effect (aka shit) happens, particularly when reckless actions are pursued with no strategic plan to follow. Colin Powell, faults notwithstanding once got it very right: You break it and you OWN it!

[PJMcK]

3. Another result of Trump's bumbling presidency

Trump is so stupid that he doesn't understand that international relationships take years to develop. He foolishly destroyed most of those allied partnerships within the first year of his presidency.

To think that he can wing these commitments demonstrates how shallow a thinker he is.

Why would any other country take Trump at his word? Frankly, why would any person give him the benefit of the doubt?

Trump is an idiot.

[AJT]

4. WTF?

"America has sacrificed a lot to help Germany remain a part of the West."

[left-of-center2012]

9. Was Germany moving to Asia?

[Aristus]

5. "Germany, PLEASE be more aggressive and militaristic!"

That's how you know we've gone around the bend...

[bucolic_frolic]

6. Trump has sundered US credibility around the world

No one will listen to the US anymore. And why should they? Our obligations mean little with this Bumbling Fool in the White House.

Unlike the WWII and post-war era, we are no longer fighting Nazis.

[keithbvadu2]

13. "no longer fighting Nazis" - Trump "emboldened" the Nazis

"no longer fighting Nazis" -

Trump "emboldened" the Nazis

America fought a war against the Nazis and supposedly won.

Yet here they are marching to "take back America".

When did the Nazis have America?

" Michael Von Kotch, a Pennsylvania resident who called himself a Nazi, said the rally made him "proud to be white."

He said that he's long held white supremacist views and that Trump's election has "emboldened" him and the members of his own Nazi group. "

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/fights-in-advance-of-saturday-protest-in-charlottesville/2017/08/12/155fb636-7f13-11e7-83c7-5bd5460f0d7e_story.html?utm_term=.b54a0162fe07

[NCjack]

7. Germany says "no" to US prez who kisses Putin's ass and sabotages NATO. nt

[left-of-center2012]

8. How many times has Trump insulted German Chancellor Angela Merkel?

And now he's begging for her help?

[no_hypocrisy]

10. As Trump has tried to strong-arm Germany and Merkel to pony up "their fair share" of

NATO dues, Merkel should publicly respond, "How much are you going to pay us, up front?

[Mountain Mule]

11. Maybe tRump should ask his new BFF's in N. Korea to help out

After all, we know N. Korea has retained its nuclear arsenal. I'm sure tRump could talk Kim into using it, them being such good buddies and everything.

(This is what happens when the president* alienates our long term allies)

[EX500rider]

12. Not much German Navy to help anyway...

They have 10 frigates, 5 corvettes, 3 minesweepers, 10 minehunters, 6 submarines, 11 replenishment ships and 20 miscellaneous auxiliary vessels. The displacement of the navy is 220,000 tonnes. That's about 2 US carriers.

Between what they need in the Baltic and home NATO waters + the UNIFIL op off the coast of Lebanon of which the German contribution is two frigates, four fast attack craft, and two auxiliary vessels they don't have much left over.

[BlueIdaho]

14. Maybe "Washington" should stop attacking our NATO Allies.

That stupid fucking idiot in the White House has crowed about his “America Only” policies, now his arrogant nativism has come home to roost. Why on earth would any EU power be interested in helping Fatso start another Middle Easter War?

[Progressive Jones]

15. I applaud this decision by Germany. It is the right thing to do.

No nation with any self respect should assist the Trashdump administration in any way.