German Defence Chief fired over Kunduz Air attack on Oil tankers

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Inspektor General von Schneiderhahn

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uploaded by Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

Kunduz, Afghanistan was the scene of a deadly air strike on September 4th of this year.  Initial reports indicated that two tanker trucks that had been hijacked by the Taliban were attacked by NATO to avoid further casualties.  The attack was ordered by a German Army Colonel on the ground.

Initially, Germany denied all wrongdoing and German Chancellor Angela Merkel reflected blame until an investigation was completed.  The German Defence Minister, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg denied any wrongdoing and stated categorically that no civilians were killed.

U.S. General Stanley McChrystal refuted this after his visit to the location of the attack and talking with villagers.  McChrystal stated that there was no doubt innocent civilians had been killed.  McChrystal instituted an alcohol ban within ISAF headquarters shortly thereafter.

Today German Defence Minister, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg,  fired the top soldier in Germany, Wolfgang Schneiderhahn,  for failing to provide  proper information of the incident.  It seems the system of checks and balances is working, at least in Germany.  The Inspector General of the German Forces is responsible to inform the government on military matters and also provide advice.  If he can't be relied upon to provide the proper information he must be fired.

The system seems to work in Germany.