German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg came as close as a German politician can to admitting that Afghanistan is a war in an interview with Bild Zeitung. He admitted to the German equivalent of Britain's Sun tabloid, which German politicians use to deliver messages to the public, "In parts of Afghanistan, there is no question that the situation is similar to war... I myself understand every soldier who says, 'There is a war in Afghanistan, whether I am attacked by foreign forces or Taliban terrorists, wounded or killed.' The deployment in Afghanistan has for years also been a combat deployment."
Calling the Taliban "brutal and underhanded," Guttenberg said, "they should not be allowed to win." Denying that Germany is shirking from its responsibilities, he pointed out that it is the third largest troop contributor to NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), with 4,300 troops: "We train soldiers and police and help where we can."
He went on to say, "Helicopters are indispensable in Afghanistan and ISAF needs more of them. There is indeed a shortage. All nations have a problem with this. That is why our CH-53 transport helicopters deployed there are so important. More modernized CH-53s will arrive next year."
Rejecting criticism of plans to reduce conscription in Germany from nine to six months starting in 2011, he said it would remain "meaningful and beneficial" and the reduction would make it more fair. Guttenberg, who did his military service with the Alpine troops, told Bild he holds the rank of reserve staff sergeant.
Asked by Bild if he would pressure industry on the A400M and if necessary even pull out of the program, Guttenberg said, "We have already accommodated industry, for example with the production schedule. I now expect industry soon to deliver a usable product. One thing is sure, we won't buy an aircraft that we can't use in deployments."
