Germany Reportedly Gave Prewar Intelligence On Iraq

An explosion in Baghdad during the 2003 invasion (CTK) 27 February 2006 -- The American newspaper "The New York Times" is reporting that Germany gave the United States intelligence on Iraq before the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.

The newspaper cites a classified U.S. military report as the basis of its story. There was no independent confirmation of the story.

The newspaper says Germany passed over information on Saddam Hussein's defense plans for the city of Baghdad in the event of an invasion.

The report is surprising in that Germany was a strong public opponent of the war. The newspaper reports that other countries -- including Egypt and Saudi Arabia -- also publicly condemned the invasion, but privately provided support for it.

(dpa, AFP)