[lidersontop]

And you are correct... on this I am rather 'one-dimensional' as in continuing to point out the near comic pretenses of EU military strength and their insistence of being considered a 'world power' when in fact they cannot project that power in any meaningful way. While at the same time relying on US power and decrying all the money (more than anyone else) we spend on defense.

why do you assume that the only meaningful way to project power is through a military?

[Dwerfsd]

You're reaching here. The most likely cause is that the German ship in the region was too far away to respond and the 15th MEU was closer. The German vessel would have also had to leave is station in order to respond, thus leaving a gap in the patrol area of the combined task force. At the end of the day the Germans had the ability, but it simply didn't make sense logistically for them to respond when it was far more easy for the 15th MEU to respond.

If it is a 'reach' (and I concede that it might be) it is a small one. No matter what units Germany might have in the area, they don't have one anywhere near the type and size of the 15th MEU.

[SteantyjetMaw]

If it is a 'reach' (and I concede that it might be) it is a small one. No matter what units Germany might have in the area, they don't have one anywhere near the type and size of the 15th MEU.

Nor do they need units of that type or size.

[xqkAY7Lg]

why do you assume that the only meaningful way to project power is through a military?

War is the continuation of politics by other means.

And there are way too many people in this world that respect nothing less.

[johnbeller]

It still comes back to the likely case that the Germans lacked the ability to complete the mission... thus lack the ability to project power.

You appear to have missed that this is the first time the US military has boarded a hijacked ship, something German, French, Dutch, Russian, Brazilian, etc., navies have already done.

[ergyuu]

Nor do they need units of that type or size.

Yes I know... because we (The US) have got their back. So that they can march and scream that we are 'warmongers' and spend more on defense than the rest of the world and all the world's problems are our fault.

[Lorionasodi]

You appear to have missed that this is the first time the US military has boarded a hijacked ship, something German, French, Dutch, Russian, Brazilian, etc., navies have already done.

I didn't miss it... and I find it interesting that Obama allowed it.

[EmxATW5m]

I didn't miss it... and I find it interesting that Obama allowed it.

How so? Obama has so far been pretty hard lined against piracy. Refer to three pirates who hijacked a US ship and are now missing their heads. It's one of the few things I applaud the guy for, actually.

[casinobonusa]

I didn't miss it... and I find it interesting that Obama allowed it.

Dear tsquare...

First off, Marines did a very fine job, you should feel somewhat proud of those brave men.

Second, your ridiculous strech to paint Europeans in a bad light is getting comical.

Thirdly, why on Earth drag your president into this??

[JAMES PIETERSE]

You appear to have missed that this is the first time the US military has boarded a hijacked ship, something German, French, Dutch, Russian, Brazilian, etc., navies have already done.

Right, numerous times :

www.eunavfor.eu - European Union Naval Force Somalia - Operation Atalanta - EU NAVFOR

[ancexttew]

Yes I know... because we (The US) have got their back. So that they can march and scream that we are 'warmongers' and spend more on defense than the rest of the world and all the world's problems are our fault.

Do you think we are some kind of idiots? It may be a shock to you but the countries of Europe are perfectly capable of conducting their own military operations. However since this is a joint operation and the US ship was probably the closest, they responded.

[ARKLqAZ6]

Outstanding job Devil Dogs!!!!!!!

[SantaGanstag]

War is the continuation of politics by other means.

And there are way too many people in this world that respect nothing less.

so you would disagree that the EU can also wield power through economic influence?

[gimffnfabaykal]

Keep on topic.....

[botagozzz]

Well, regardless of who boarded the ship, the fact that no one was injured or killed is a good thing.

[wallyfindme]

Yes I know... because we (The US) have got their back.

Or because they could have done the same with a smaller vessel. That's a possibility. You don't need a fucking death star to take out a few Somali pirates even if it might seem like a good way for you to defend out bloated military spending.
So that they can march and scream that we are 'warmongers' and spend more on defense than the rest of the world and all the world's problems are our fault.