Having some German, French, British soldiers patrolling the 30 miles zone in North Syria alongside Russian and Turkish and potentially Assad troops, in an environment completely controlled by Russia and Assad: that can't be in the German interest.
Yet the idea that the entire zone could be taken over by a somewhat neutral UN mission -- which is apparently what the German debate is about -- is not at all an option: the territory is already under Russian / Assad control and they have no interest in weakening their grip.
It is however important that Germany steps up its role in international security, and the feedback to the AKK proposal has been encouraging. But North Syria provides no opportunities, no openings to play a constructive role; the conflict has been decided, it's far too late.
What Germany should focus on is Libya. It is equally pressing, Russia is not in control, French and Italians are deeply engaged already, game on the ground is not decided with weak players. Here is plenty of space and need for German initiative with substantial engagement.
It remains true: if Germany wants to add its weight to an international conflict in which the great powers are involved, in can only go in with the Americans. While Russians would like to bring us in with them, in order to pay, we just disagree too much on interests and values.
