Extended Operation

The decision to extend Germany's mandate on Thursday, which includes naval patrols off the Horn of Africa and allows for elite troops to serve in Afghanistan, was agreed after lawmakers voted 414 to145 in favor, with 15 abstentions, to endorse a decision by Chancellor Angela Merkel's government to continue the mission until at least Nov. 15, 2008.

The decision affects 1,400 German soldiers currently serving around globe.

Opposition to the extension focused on the German elite troops in Afghanistan, a clear indication, some thought, that Germany was involved in more than just reconstruction and peace-keeping.

Opposition fears leading role in terror war

"Germany leads the war in the Hindu Kush, and this is bad," said Wolfgang Gehrcke, a foreign affairs expert for the Left Party. Gehrcke also accused the government of misleading the public with its assertion that Germany is not involved in combat operations in Afghanistan.

"Just because Mohammed Atta planned his monstrous crime in Hamburg, there is no reason why Hamburg should go to war," commented parliamentarian and former Environment Minister Jürgen Trittin of the Green party, referring to the Hamburg terrorist cell which planned the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States in his statement against the extension. The ruling coalition of conservatives and Social Democrats defended the mandate.

"Germany leads no war on international terrorism," said Walter Kolbow of the Social Democrats' Bundestag faction. "Rather it contributes to an international effort to stabilize nations."

Andreas Schockenhoff of Merkel's Christian Democratic Union said the new mandate would include a stronger emphasis on reconstruction, security and the reduction of civilian victims.