The German Abstention at the United Nations

While reaction is muted to the German abstention during the UN Security Council vote on Resolution 1973 calling for a no-fly zone over Libya and other actions against the Qadhaffi regime, it is clear that Germany is, for the time being, the odd man out in the European coalition.

Perhaps motivated by its own past, when bombings destroyed her grand cities toward the end of World War II, perhaps because Germans have, since 1945, been pacifist, perhaps because she has a large population of Turk and other Muslims living within her borders, perhaps because the Merkel coalition seems to be in grave danger of crumbling, perhaps….

But, Germany’s UN Ambassador Peter Wittig’s remonstrance against unexpected consequences and his warning that what seems quick action can turn out to be long and protracted war, did little to reinforce Germany’s place at the center of Europe.

"We see great risks," Wittig said in explaining Germany’s abstention. "The likelihood of large-scale loss of life should not be underestimated. If the steps proposed turn out to be ineffective, we see the danger of being drawn into a protracted military conflict that would affect the wider region."

This fear must be balanced against the death being wrought by Qadhaffi on his own people. Libya's opposition leaders have repeatedly said that they are doing all they can, but that international intervention is the only way to avoid a massacre.

Khaeri Aboshagor, UK representative of the Libyan League for Human Rights said of the Resolution, "Absolutely it is good news and the right thing to do…. I spoke to some people in Libya yesterday and they say yes, they realize there may be some civilian casualties, although hopefully they will be minimal. But Gaddafi is killing us every day and we have no choice."

Winston Churchill, who knew something about the Germans, made several comments that might be studied by Chancellor Merkel :

- “It’s not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what’s required.”

- “One ought never to turn one’s back on a threatened danger and try to run away from it. If you do that, you will double the danger. But if you meet it promptly and without flinching, you will reduce the danger by half.”

And, finally, one of my favorite Chruchill definitions:

“An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.”