The Air and Space Operations Center at Ramstein Air Base in Germany monitors and assesses assigned airpower missions throughout Europe and Africa. PHOTO: FILE
Germany Shies Away From Comment On Possible Role In US Drone War -- Deutsche Welle
It looks like a computer game, but it's deadly serious news in Germany: US soldiers control drone attacks with a joystick. According to new media reports, military bases on German soil play a key role in the drone war.
The attacker has a decisive advantage: he can attack without being in personal danger. Everything is controlled remotely off-site and the opponent can be thousands of kilometers away. Drones have become an essential part in the US's post-September 11 war against terror in Afghanistan and other regions, but their use is ethically and legally controversial.
According to reports from German TV news show "Panorama" and the daily newspaper "Süddeutsche Zeitung," the US use their German military bases to conduct attacks and targeted killings. The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), based in Stuttgart since 2008, and the US Air Force base Ramstein in particular are said to play substantial roles in the drone war.
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My Comment: United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) is based in Stuttgart .... so I will have to assume that there must be some coordination from Germany. But is Germany a willing participant .... I suspect not for the simple reason that they are not needed.
Update: Berlin not aware of U.S. drone strikes from German bases -- Reuters
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