People & Politics | The Germany Armed Forces in Afghanistan

A devastating American air-strike in Afghanistan called by a German commander is thought to have caused dozens of civilian casualties. The attack,which targeted fuel tankers hijacked by the Taliban,has drawn criticism of the German armed forces from among its fellow-NATO members for being disproportionate and rushed.Chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed regret for the casualities,while elements of the opposition in Berlin have questioned the very deployment of the German military in Afghanistan. The conflict there is now a major issue in the run-up to the German elections.