Germany is losing faith in the U.S. amidst spying allegations

Germany’s interior minister Hans-Peter Friedrich told the Bildam Sonntag newspaper that the country was very disappointed in the U.S. over claims that the NSA monitored Chancellor Angela Merkel’s phone. “If the Americans intercepted cell phones in Germany, they broke German law on German soil,” Friedrich said. He also added that he wants “complete information on all accusations.” “The confidence in our ally, [the] USA, is shaken,” Friedrich said.
The German newspaper also reported claims from an intelligence officer that President Obama became aware of the NSA’s observation of Merkel in 2010, but did not stop it. Gen. Keith Alexander was allegedly the one who informed the President. However, the NSA has refuted the claims of the anonymous officer. “General Alexander did not discuss with President Obama in 2010 an alleged foreign intelligence operation involving German Chancellor Merkel, nor has he ever discussed alleged operations involving Chancellor Merkel,” NSA spokeswoman Vanee Vines said to CNN.
Germany’s government press office said last week that German senior intelligence officials will be sent to Washington to further discuss the issues being reported.