Germany pushed to lead.

Germany has recently become more assertive in making decisions for its future, with or without its allies. “Germany became the first NATO country to announce its firm intention to participate in a training mission for the Afghan army after the current ISAF mission ends in 2014… Berlin had actually wanted to wait for the US… to set the tone…With Washington unable to decide and postponing a detailed plan until the fall of 2013, Berlin has opted for another solution” (Der Spiegel, April 19, 2013). Germany appears to be getting frustrated with its ally’s lack of concrete decisions in dealing with world affairs.

“Progress in the European Union is stalled at the moment because France and Germany can’t get along… A year into Hollande’s term, Franco-German relations are even worse than pessimists in both countries predicted. Berlin and Paris are at odds on almost every issue when it comes to tackling the current crisis…” (Der Spiegel, May 1, 2013).

“Global politics have come to a standstill in recent years, with the United States unwilling to show leadership and Europe and other major powers unable to fill the vacuum… Europe isn’t in a position to provide decisive leadership. And the US doesn’t want to anymore” (Der Spiegel, February 1, 2013).

The Bible describes an end-time European Beast power led by Germany (Assyria) that will dominate the world economically and militarily (Isaiah 10:5-14; Revelation 13:1-4; 17:12-14). With Germany’s allies showing less of a desire to lead the world, Germany may be pushed into a leadership role without desiring it (Isaiah 10:7). See article, Resurgent Germany—A Fourth Reich?