Readers laud Rio's successful Olympic bid

Is Germany poised to boost its troops in Afghanistan?

Readers muse over the continued or escalated German presence in Afghanistan

I'm a dual citizen of the United States and Germany. I kept track of the election and I was very pleased to see that Merkel was not only re-elected, but also got to partner with my personal favorite party, the Free Democrats. I supported Merkel primarily because of her position on the Afghan War. This is not Iraq. Iraq was a war of choice, Afghanistan is a war of necessity. For the sake of providing peace and stability to not just Afghanistan and the Middle East, but the entire world, the Taliban must be defeated, and I would be ashamed if Deutschland abandoned its allies simply because the road ahead is tough. This war must be won, and if that means that more German and American troops must be sent to fight, then so be it. -- Christopher Gerstle, US

When, after seven years, the Afghan people are not happy with their lot, it is time to give peace and a change in politics a chance. That could include working with the moderate section of Taliban, come to an agreement which takes the gradual reduction of fighting troops into account. Do not follow any military general's advice as they tend to glorify their mission and view it more like a well-paying career. The German government should ask for another mandate, as the majority of its citizens are not in favor of this war in Afghanistan. -- G. Gosau, Canada

I do not think Germany, or any other country, should send more troops. We should be bringing all the troops home. Don't give any more money to Karzai. If we are going to build schools or hospitals, make certain that someone is there monitoring the spending. Otherwise, more guns and more killing are sure to happen. -- Margaret Kennedy, US

Top German magazine trades models for "real women"

I think it is a good move, as too many women have neuroses about their weight and are on a continuous diet. Many of my young female students were anorexic just because they patterned their image after fashion models. The look should be a healthy one and exude being happy and well adjusted. Thanks to Brigitte to take the first step that will reach a broad audience. -- Ingrid Miller, US

It's a shame more US magazines cannot and will not do this. 90 percent of these models are nothing to look at. There are far more beautiful and real people walking the streets all over this nation and the world. -- Karina, US

One reader got a new perspective from inside a burka

French legislators worried about rise of the burka

What's the big how-to-do about these women wearing what they want to? I understand that communication with a woman wearing such a thing is difficult if you have hearing problems, but that can be taken care of with a pencil and a piece of paper. Or do I detect fear from something or someone you can't see? I wore a burka once to a protest just to see what it would be like. I was amazed. For the first time in my life I wasn't judged by the price of my clothing. Everyone I met was incredibly polite, with the exception of some rowdy college kids driving by. I also noticed, much to my amusement, some police taking photos of me with their cell phones. I would never wear such a thing on a daily basis, as I live in Southern Arizona (it's too hot!) but I have to say, it was an interesting experience. I have yet to see anyone in my hometown wearing such things, but I would never object. I have more of a problem with teenage boys letting their pants hang down to the point where you can't help but see what you shouldn't. -- Sally, US

Fassbinder piece premiers in Germany, despite Jewish protests

I would like to say that Mr. Fassbinder's play should not be cancelled. He is a great artist and the play is the legacy which should be honored despite criticism from other ethnic groups. There is an old saying that true virtue is not afraid of criticism, so let it be. Art is art and Mr. Fassbinder's legacy should be respected and shown in Germany and all over the world. -- Agatha King, Canada

A look at what German Unity Day means

My father was a soldier, stationed in Hanau when the eastern borders where closed. I returned as a soldier in the 70s stationed in Darmstadt. My wife and I lived with the most wonderful German family which made my time there just wonderful. On the night of unification, after more than 14 years, I sent a telegram to that family congratulating them and wishing them and their country all of the success. I am proud to have served during the Cold War and hope my contribution helped achieve the day of unification and defeat Soviet occupation. -- Mark Oberleiter, US

Could the Polanski legal affair be an extension of foreign policy?

Swiss deny filmmaker Polanski release on bail
Since the case was settled long ago between Mr. Polanski and Ms. Geimer, the whole point of his arrest is moot. So, what purpose does this serve? As stated in an article in Switzerland's Le Matin "... Switzerland hurt its relationship with the U.S. in a recent spat over American tax evaders holding secret Swiss bank accounts. The arrest of Polanski is an attempt to worm our way back into America's good graces...." How lame is that? No need to worm your way back. Personally, I do not hold anything against Switzerland for giving up that information, it should have been done long ago. In this case, many already knew what happened, Polanski was never in hiding, he committed this offense one time, it was settled and closed. The US needs to focus more on the mistakes made in the case of Jaycee Dugard. For years the "repeat" sex offender, Phillip Garrido was out in the open and not investigated more thoroughly. Whether Mr. Polanski is a plumber or a producer, I say to Switzerland, let him go and to the US, I say, let him come back. -- Ina Calvano, US

Germany fails to make top 20 on UN's Human Development Index

I left the US to live in London in 1975; The US was my home country where life was easier, energy to stay warm did not cost as much, telephones were practically free to use, clothing was made to a much higher standard and your money went further. I remember sitting in the flat the first winter I was in the UK and freezing in front of an ineffective electric heater, thinking: "What am I doing here?" Then I remembered, people here in the UK didn't have an automatic right to own a lethal weapon, 12 year old kids were not smoking pot everywhere, consumerism wasn't worshipped nor resources taken for granted and wasted, jobs were easier to find, health care was free at point of service and life seemed somehow harder but more appreciated here - there was more community spirit, even in London. So, you don't always live in a place where the "standard of living" is better but where you feel in harmony with your surroundings and the society you find there. That might even be in some African countries where some people may choose to live. -- Dorotheen Strass, US
Compiled by DW staff (st)
Editor: Nancy Isenson