We can no longer apply the classic criteria to clearly determine whether and when we should use military force. We are waging war in Afghanistan, for example, but it’s an asymmetrical war where the enemies are criminals instead of soldiers.

There is no question that Iraq is one of the main problems. You’d have to be blind not to see what a magnet and generating force it’s become for terrorist groups.

The military has been tremendously important in the past during catastrophes and in protecting the population. But it shouldn’t become an auxiliary police force.

We feel very honored to have been offered the responsibility to host this great event, Berlin is a wonderful city that is developing at a tremendous rate, and this decision means that we can now prepare to welcome the world’s best athletes to a fascinating place.

Incidentally, our railroad facilities are under video surveillance by the federal police. However, the federal and state governments will have to determine whether video surveillance shouldn’t be significantly expanded to a certain degree.

And now when we hear that Iran and Iraq plan to cooperate more closely and that a fundamentalist is coming to power in Tehran – a man about whom we cannot be sure that he is absolutely averse to terrorism – it is very worrisome.

It’s a mistake to assume that Islamists always come from the slums. Indeed, many come from affluent families but for some reason just couldn’t manage to integrate into Western society, even though they had good opportunities for advancement.

We cannot allow violence from militant activists to dictate where and how democratically elected state leaders hold their meetings.

I suggest setting up a corps of specially trained European riot police that can work at an international level to de-escalate problems and, where needed, effectively quell violence.

If you look at the results of the grand coalition, it accomplished a lot.