The defeat of "Islamic State" in Syria and Iraq was one of the few possible military successes against Islamist terrorism, but it was a big one.
It is much more important for Europe's security than the failed mission in Afghanistan.
The IS was a source of inspiration and a logistical anchor for many young assassins, unfortunately also in Germany.
It was right that the Bundeswehr took part in the international alliance against the terrorist organization, and it would be good if the Bundestag extended the mandate for this mission again.
There are still many IS fighters in both countries, and one must remain vigilant against jihadism.
As always in Germany, however, such questions are not decided with cool expertise, but according to political logic.
Because the Greens used to be against the mission, Syria is now to be removed from the mission area so that the party of the new foreign minister can turn the tide.
This is based on international law, but it is window dressing: there are attacks that can be attributed to IS not only in Iraq, but also in Syria.
The allies, who also have to keep an eye on this arena, learn that there is a great deal of continuity in German foreign policy: even if it is "value-based", the country does not like to defend its values militarily.