German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder states that U.S. and NATO forces can use military bases and airspace in Germany in the event of a military attack on Iraq. The Chancellor added that Germany will not participate in such a war. The U.S. and NATO have military bases on German soil, and Schröder has said that NATO can use these bases and airspace for military transfers in the event of war with Iraq without any hindrance. Schröder's remarks were a response to the U.S. government's request to 50 countries around the world for assistance in the event of war. The Chancellor, along with Defense Minister Peter Struck, confirmed yesterday that Germany will provide U.S.-made Patriot missiles to Israel. Israel had requested these missiles from Germany to defend itself in case of a missile attack from Iraq, similar to the situation during the Gulf War in 1991. Earlier this year, Schröder's cabinet angered the Bush administration by refusing to involve Germany in a potential war with Iraq, stating that even if the United Nations permitted such a war, Germany would not participate.
The U.S. and NATO Can Use Bases in Germany Against Iraq - 2002-11-27
German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder announced that U.S. and NATO forces can utilize German military bases and airspace for operations against Iraq, but Germany will not participate in the conflict. This statement comes in response to U.S. requests for international support for a potential war. The situation highlights Germany's reluctance to engage in military action, particularly against Iraq.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder announced that U.S. and NATO forces can use German military bases and airspace for operations against Iraq, although Germany will not participate in the conflict. This decision responds to U.S. requests for international support amid rising tensions regarding Iraq's potential military actions.
- Germany will not participate in military action against Iraq, despite allowing U.S. and NATO access to its bases.
- Germany is supplying Patriot missiles to Israel for defense against potential Iraqi missile attacks.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The early 2000s saw increasing tensions between the U.S. and Iraq, leading to calls for military intervention. Germany's reluctance to engage militarily marked a significant stance within NATO.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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