UNILATERALISM: Germany is planning big defense cuts, in violation of its commitments. Geitner Simmons says it well:

German criticism of U.S. military muscle and “unilateralism” is hard to take when German officials are unapologetically shortchanging their own country’s military capabilities. The same goes for German complaints about the yawning gap between their country’s military capability and that of the United States.

As the Times article points out, the German government’s decision directly undercuts a recent pledge by NATO officials to reduce that technology gap.

I think it’s fair to call this “irresponsible unilateralism” and “contempt for international agreeements.”

UPDATE: Reader Don Stadler writes:

I’m afraid I have to disagree with your opinion about the German defense cuts. They are unilaterism to be sure. But much, much more than that, the cuts are simply desperation. And arguably a good sign.

Yopu have been linking to stories and blogs documenting the slide of Schroeder into a slough of unpopularity because he has been trying to stitch the German budget together with tax increases and no effective reform.

When you are trying to dig a country out of a hole so you can cut taxes what do you do? You cut back on the ineffective things the government is doing.

For Germany defense is a good start. For what is more ineffective than the German Armed Forces? The Greek Navy?

Good point. And, in light of history, probably a cheering one. . . .