vanguard737 From United States of America, joined Aug 2001, 674 posts, RR: 5 Posted (5 months 5 days 20 hours ago) and read 1238 times:
Peter Struck, Defense Minister of Germany from 2002-2005, has died of a heart attack at the age of 69.
Struck is perhaps most associated with his 2002 statement: "Die Sicherheit der Bundesrepublik Deutschland wird heute auch am Hindukusch verteidigt.“ (The security of the Federal Republic of Germany is, today, also defended on the Hindu Kusch.)
This statement keenly verbalized Germany's growing role and presence in international peace keeping operations. Prior to a 1994 court ruling, use of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) was strictly intended only for the defense of Germany from invasion.
Struck was known for his hands-on approach of visiting locations around the world where German forces were deployed, and was widely respected as an authentic, genuine person.
While a staunch supporter of the ISAF mission in Afghanistan, Struck was opposed to the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
NoUFO From Germany, joined Apr 2001, 7798 posts, RR: 13 Reply 1, posted (5 months 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 1191 times:
Perhaps he wasn't brilliant but he was smart without being slick; he was non-ideological, but you always knew where you are with him. One of those already rare character heads less.
Well, yes, ok. But, you see, just being 7 years younger then him, I hope that my lifespan goes a bit farther ahead ! And I can well imagine that he was looking forward to this and that and more. Alright, my brother passed away at 46, but dad at 88, Mum at 90, one uncle at 89, the other at 99 and one at 102. So that I do not regard death at 69 as "normal"
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