Germany Rejects Request to Increase Assistance in the Fight Against ISIS

Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, on Sunday, December 13, rejected the United States' request for Berlin to increase military assistance in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). According to Reuters, Merkel stated in an interview with ZDF network, in response to a question regarding a report by Der Spiegel about the U.S. request, "I believe that Germany has fulfilled its share, and there is currently no need to discuss this issue further." Der Spiegel reported on Saturday that Ashton Carter, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, requested an increase in Germany's military support in a letter. A spokesperson for the German Ministry of Defense had previously confirmed the receipt of the letter from the U.S. Secretary of Defense and stated that the issues raised in the letter are under review, but did not provide further details about its content. Last week, the German parliament approved Germany's military participation in the fight against ISIS. According to this resolution, Germany's military mission will include the deployment of six Tornado reconnaissance aircraft, a military ship to protect the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, and a refueling aircraft. In this context, 1,200 German military personnel are expected to participate in this mission. Following the deadly Paris attacks that left at least 130 dead, France requested Germany to participate in the fight against ISIS. German aircraft will not participate in bombing ISIS positions in Iraq and Syria. According to Reuters, Germany has shown its readiness to deploy forces to other countries over the past two years, and currently, more than 3,000 German military personnel are stationed abroad. Following the advance of ISIS forces last year, Germany provided weaponry to Iraqi Kurds. The British parliament also approved London's participation in the U.S.-led coalition to bomb ISIS positions in Syria after the deadly Paris attacks.