For now his main objective is to cut spending and pay for the high cost of unification. Recently, many NATO countries, including the U.S., have criticized Germany for its self-absorbed attitude. Kohl is the person in Germany where international affairs are made. Kohl is, indeed, for European unification, yet he kept Germany as a bystander during the Gulf War. If Germany is to become part of a unified Europe, then it must participate and do its part to support its western allies in international affairs such as the Gulf War.
Actions speak louder than words.