The anti-war mood that has prevailed in Germany since the close of World War II appears to be rapidly changing. German politicians have begun calling for the creation of an “EU military academy” and a “permanent military headquarters” as prerequisites for establishing an “EU army” (German Foreign Policy.com, December 8, 2014).

“Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait are discussing the creation of a military pact to take on Islamic militants, with the possibility of a joint force to intervene around the Middle East” (Times of Israel, November 4, 2014). “The countries have already shown an unprecedented willingness to intervene together.

“Who is in charge of the clattering train? The axles creak, and the couplings strain. For the pace is hot, and the points are near, and Sleep hath deadened the driver’s ear: And signals flash through the night in vain. Death is in charge of the clattering train!” Sir Winston Churchill recalled this poem to himself to illustrate his personal frustration with his parliamentary colleagues, but why?

Churchill recalled the first few and last few lines from when he was a young boy. His was a shortened version of a poem that appeared in Punch cartoons on October 4, 1890.