Germany Opposes War for Good Reason

Re “Germans Spooked by History,” Commentary, Feb. 24: James Davis’ take on the Germans’ Iraq position is largely on target. As a born German who grew up during Hitler’s regime and who still maintains ties to the old country, I would add that thoughtful Germans have indeed a deep sense of obligation to promote peaceful ways of resolving conflicts.

Although born out of the Nazi experience, it is more than merely a reaction to guilt; it is genuine commitment to dealing with international problems with maturity, patience and diplomacy. As such, it reflects a broader European sentiment, and thus is in stark conflict with the Bush administration’s infatuation with war.

German, and European, antipathy is focused on the Bush administration, not on Americans in general. It started with Bush’s rejection of the Kyoto Protocol and other international treaties, well before Iraq became an issue.

These actions were incomprehensible to Europeans and seriously undermined trust in the judgment and intent of this administration. This lack of trust and the open belligerence of the administration in trying to force compliance with its plans for Iraq are added factors in Europe’s opposition to war.

Paul W. Rosenberger

Manhattan Beach

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Davis does not seem to give the Germans much credit. Whatever their problems in dealing with the Holocaust, the Germans seem to have figured out, along with the rest of the world, that war is not an effective response to terrorism.

Perhaps professor Davis should focus his analysis on how we Americans deal with our own history. It seems that we are not happy unless we are beating up some small country. Does war serve as expiation for our own past crimes, like slavery and the near-extermination of the Plains Indians? Whatever the explanation, there is no doubt that war has deep roots in our national psyche. It will take generations to eradicate.

Bill DuBay

Costa Mesa