Germany: Afghanistan, Iran and Tensions with the United States

German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg hinted Dec. 20 that Germany might not commit any more military personnel to the International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan. Guttenberg's comments come as tensions between Washington and Berlin rise due to U.S. plans to pressure foreign firms doing business in Iran. German banks have a large presence in Iran, and Berlin will not take lightly any action against its banks.