Germany finds itself back in power in Europe - by Henry Chu

For nearly 70 years, Germany's grand national ambition has basically been not to have one.

After losing two world wars and carrying out a horrific genocide, the country set to working its way back into the European fold, content to focus on rebuilding its shattered economy while dutifully leaving continental leadership to the likes of France.

The plan has been a roaring success — so much so that, in one of history's great ironies, Germany today finds itself right back where it wasn't supposed to be: dominating Europe.

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