German President sacked for admitting truth on Afghanistan

This video says about itself:

Germany in the dock over Kunduz airstrike

20 March 2013

Relatives of Afghans killed by an airstrike ordered by a German NATO officer in northern Afghanistan have taken Germany’s government to court.

The country has already paid more than 400,000 dollars – or 330,000 euros – in what it calls aid. The families from Kunduz want ten times that amount.

At the courthouse in Bonn, federal government lawyer Mark Zimmer said: “Of course I can understand these people because they suffered a terrible fate. At the same time, it is our task to fend off this claim because Bonn District Court is not the right place for it. There are rights based on international law and there are payments which have already been made, also by the German government.”

Karim Popal, a lawyer for the plaintiffs countered: “The goodwill aid payments of 5,000 dollars were handed out in a men’s assembly, so a lot of orphans and widows received nothing. A lot of strangers lined their pockets. Some of our clients received this aid, others did not.”

Scores of people were killed or maimed in September 2009 when two stolen fuel tankers were hit in the airstrike.

The planes were American, but the order came from a German commander.

Germany’s lower house of parliament said it was ‘one of the most serious incidents involving the German army since World War Two.’

From The Local in Germany:

President Köhler resigns

Published: 31 May 10 14:12 CET
Updated: 31 May 10 14:24 CET

German President Horst Köhler said Monday he was stepping down, following criticism of recent comments he made about the country’s military mission in Afghanistan.

“I announce my resignation from the office of the presidency with immediate affect,” Köhler said in Berlin.

He said he decision came after withering criticism of comments he made connecting Germany’s military deployment in Afghanistan with the country’s economic interests.

More woes for Merkel as president steps down in Afghan row: here.

The unexpected and sudden resignation of President Horst Köhler on Monday afternoon has further intensified the crisis of the German government: here.

Friendly Fire Casualties in Afghanistan: German Military Criticized for Deadly Mistakes: here.

USA: The Iraq and Afghanistan Wars Mutilated Our Economy: here.

Corporations are profiting from wars and lobbying politicians for more. The US and the rest of the world cannot afford the rising personal and financial costs of permanent war: here.

Germany is Paying $5,000 in Compensation to Kunduz Bombing Victims’ Families: here.

Afghanistan: Child Brides Escape Marriage, but Not Lashes: here.

Within US and European ruling circles, there are now clear signs of concern for the viability of the Kandahar offensive and the far-reaching implications of failure: here.

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