German Troops to Hold Post

German troops will continue their mission in the Mediterranean and off the Horn of Africa as part of the fight against terror.

Maritime troops are stationed there in support of U.S.-led anti-terrorism operations, a deployment that was set to expire November 15. However, the German parliament overwhelmingly approved a measure to leave the 500 soldiers there for at least another year. Officials said the measure, which allows for up to 3,100 troops, was “essential to German security” and that it was part of Germany’s responsibility as a member of the United Nations (Deutsche Welle, November 12).

This was the first deployment of German troops outside Europe since World War ii, and an example of how the fight against terror is being used an excuse to assume a more muscular military posture.