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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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No Regrets for US Iraq Deserter as Asylum Ruling Looms

German case tests EU 'unlawful war' directive

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(Newser) – German authorities will take up the case next week of Spec. André L. Shepherd, who deserted the US Army and sought asylum rather than face a second tour of duty in Iraq. “I’m having the time of my life,” Shepherd tells the Wall Street Journal from a refugee-processing center as he tests an EU law directing members to take in soldiers fleeing unlawful wars.

The Ohio native enlisted to escape poverty and served in Iraq before being posted to Germany, where, disillusioned about the war, he fell in with like-minded natives who sheltered him when he went AWOL. The US doesn’t actively pursue deserters, but Shepherd eventually turned himself in and requested asylum. If Germany turns him down, he’ll face up to 5 years in US prison.

André L. Shepherd, American deserter and the pro-desertion Military Counseling Network's 'poster boy.'
André L. Shepherd, American deserter and the pro-desertion Military Counseling Network's 'poster boy.'   (Military Counseling Network)
About 3,500 US soldiers deserted worldwide last year, the Army says, 71 from bases in Europe.
About 3,500 US soldiers deserted worldwide last year, the Army says, 71 from bases in Europe.   (Getty Images)
A US Marine walks down a barracks hallway at Camp Mercury, Iraq.
A US Marine walks down a barracks hallway at Camp Mercury, Iraq.   (Getty Images)
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None of them looked like they were happy to see their liberators. - André Shepherd, on the Iraqis he met in his first tour of duty

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4 comments
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IN RESPONSE:
anchower
Jan 29, 09 4:43 PM CST
Whatever. Congress laid down for Bush, to be sure, but that doesn't make the war legal. The invasion and occupation are a clear violation of international law, to which the U.S. is subject.
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Newser001
Jan 29, 09 2:29 PM CST
I'm a Vietnam era Vet, and can honestly say, I can't blame the guy. The Iraqi war is a sham, based on deceit... Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
NutsInNY
Jan 29, 09 2:46 PM CST
THANK YOU for your service to the country, and thank you for saying the above--it is far more legitimate coming from you than from me.
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IN RESPONSE:
Mad
Jan 29, 09 6:42 PM CST
If he was drafted, I'd agree with you 100%, but he knew America was at war when he enlisted. He only seemed to change his mind when he met some pacifist Deutchlund Fraulein
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