We were not involved in tracking down Saddam Hussein.

In spite of numerous successful hunts for terrorists, the terrorist threat situation has eased only superficially. The bomb attacks in Madrid and London are clear evidence that Europe is no longer just a recruitment and financing area but has become a target of Islamic terrorism.

Terrorist groupings of a secular character and with only a regional sphere of activity have largely been pushed into the background. Only a few of the secular groupings still pose a serious threat.

That is wrong. Germany was not on the side of those waging war. We did not supply the Americans with any target data.

Gradually I became aware of details: a company of French soldiers was marching through the streets of the town. They broke formation, and went in single file along the communication trench leading to the front line. Another group followed them.

Often I have the impression that I am writing on paper that is already browning in the licks of the flames.