Germany frets about future on milestone anniversary

LAST weekend's 30th anniversary of German unification was a major moment for the EU's most populous state. Yet, the eyes of much of the nation were as much focused overseas, on the forthcoming US presidential election as on its domestic milestone.

This is because the Donald Trump-Joe Biden match-up may be the most important election for US-German relations, and the broader transatlantic alliance, for at least a generation. If Mr Biden wins, a significant degree of post-war normality will be restored, although relations may still not be business as usual.

If Mr Trump prevails, the next four years - at least - will be a time of further major uncertainty for Berlin. Former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton has indicated the president could potentially pull Washington out of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato), while further significant US troop cuts in Germany are also possible after the 12,000 announced in August.