"We will not send troops. Germany is not committed to Iraq - we will not commit ourselves with troops"

The declaration by Joschka Fischer, a popular German political leader who worked as the Foreign Minister and Vice Chancellor of Germany from 1998 to 2005, underscores Germany's position on military participation in Iraq during a duration when the worldwide neighborhood was deeply divided over the Iraq War. This quote captures numerous critical aspects of Germany's foreign policy and worldwide relations approach at the time.

First of all, Fischer's categorical rejection of sending out soldiers to Iraq highlights Germany's commitment to a more diplomatic and less militaristic approach in international disputes, specifically under the leadership of Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. This position was consistent with wider public sentiment in Germany, which was mostly opposed to the U.S.-led intrusion of Iraq in 2003. The German government, representing the views of its citizens, pulled out of participating in a war that lots of Germans considered as unjustified and lacking in sufficient legal and ethical authenticity.

Secondly, this statement shows Germany's tactical self-reliance in its foreign policy choices. In spite of being a key member of NATO and a strong ally of the United States, Germany, under Fischer's period, demonstrated its desire to diverge from U.S. policy when it contravened its principles and the will of its populace. This move represented a period of improved German assertiveness on the world phase, where it stabilized its alliance commitments with its national interests and worths.

Lastly, Fischer's declaration can also be viewed as a more comprehensive commentary on the value of multilateralism and the dependence on international organizations, such as the United Nations, for resolving global conflicts. By refusing to send troops, Germany highlighted its choice for dispute resolution through dialogue and agreement building, rather than unilateral military action. This position was vital in shaping Germany's identity as a peace-oriented nation in the post-World War II age and enhanced its commitment to cultivating international peace and stability through non-military methods.