The Sarrazin Debate
Right-wing populist parties are everywhere in Europe. But in Germany, home to controversial Islamophobe Thilo Sarrazin, the right side of the political spectrum is decidedly vacant. Why? By Charles Hawley in Berlin more...
An Unsettled Issue
In Washington, the Israelis and Palestinians are discussing peace, but in the Jewish settlements in the West Bank, construction is proceeding at full speed. A legal ban is being ignored and the government is looking away. The thousands of new homes could hinder reconciliation. By Juliane von Mittelstaedt in Jerusalem more...
Bayern Munich's Troubled Star
Football fans in both France and Germany have been shocked by the sex scandal surrounding Bayern Munich playmaker and French international Franck Ribéry. Amid accusations of lynch mob justice and a trial by media, the footballer may face up to three years behind bars if his case gets to court. By Cathrin Gilbert and Maik Grossekathöfer more... [ Forum ]
Merkel Speaks Out against Sarrazin
In an interview with a leading Turkish newspaper, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday described anti-immigrant statements made by central bank board member Thilo Sarrazin as "absurd" and said that "groups in our society feel injured." A chorus of politicians in Germany are calling for a national debate on integration. more...
Readers Respond to Criticism of Obama
Has US policy become too European in its approach to fighting the crisis? A German economist's criticism of President Obama's European-style stimulus package has prompted a flood of letters from SPIEGEL ONLINE readers. Here's a selection of the best comments. more...
The World From Berlin
Following his disparaging comments in the media and a new book that is highly critical of Muslim immigrants, it is expected that Thilo Sarrazin will lose his seat on the board of Germany's central bank. Commentators at the country's leading newspapers examine the integration issues he has raised and wonder if the pressure to fire Sarrazin will harm the Bundesbank's independence. more...
Roma Photo Exhibition
France's ongoing deportation of Roma has been making headlines around the globe. But Gitans -- as Roma are known in France -- have been living in the country for centuries. A new photo exhibition reveals the life of Roma in the St. Jacques quarter of Perpignan. By Christoph Twickel more...
Interview with Harvard Professor Svetlana Boym
Berlin's iconic Tacheles arts center is threatened with eviction despite becoming a city landmark and major tourist destination. In an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE, Harvard professor Svetlana Boym talks about Tacheles' role in Berlin's post-reunification identity and how activists can shape the urban environment by taking over unused spaces. more...
Counterculture Vs. Capitalism
Twenty years after it was squatted by a group of artists, Berlin's legendary Tacheles arts center faces the threat of closure. The building, which became famous as part of the city's heady 1990s counterculture, has become the symbol of a new struggle against gentrification in Berlin. By Sven Becker, Sebastian Erb and Wiebke Hollersen more... [ Forum ]
The Low-Expectations Summit
A new round of Middle East peace talks begin Thursday in Washington. Expectations have never been so low, but that also presents an opportunity for progress between the Israelis and Palestinians. SPIEGEL ONLINE analyzes the main issues at the talks. By Juliane von Mittelstaedt in Washington more... [ Forum ]
The Czar's Lost Gold
Legend has it that almost a century ago a series of railway wagons stuffed with gold sank into the depths of a lake in Siberia. This week, researchers, exploring the depths by submarine, may have found the Russian royals' lost gold. By Benjamin Bidder in Moscow more...
Obama's Misguided Approach
The Obama administration and the Federal Reserve want to fix the United States economy by spending more money. But while that approach might work for Europe, it is risky for the US. The nation would be better off embracing traditional American values like self-reliance and small government. A Commentary by Thomas Straubhaar more...
A Safety Net for Global Capitalism
When natural disasters, like floods in Pakistan or earthquakes in Haiti, strike, Munich Re, the world's largest reinsurance company, ends up paying part of the bill. Munich Re offers capitalism a safety net, and no other company is more familiar with life's risks. By Uwe Buse more... [ Forum ]
Sarrazin To Go?
The German central bank has formally asked German President Christian Wulff to remove controversial executive board member Thilo Sarrazin from the bank leadership following his disparaging comments about Muslim immigrants and his claim that all Jews share a specific gene. more...
German Trains in the Channel Tunnel?
Germany's national railway has long resented the fact that its high-speed ICE trains are not allowed to operate through the Channel Tunnel. But a test run is planned for October and, if rules are eased, the company could be on track to introduce passenger services direct from Cologne to London in time for the 2012 Olympics. more...
Austrian Anti-Muslim Video Game
Austrian police are investigating a video game released by the right-wing Freedom Party, the former political home of the late Jörg Haider, that invites players to stop the construction of minarets and mosques. But the politician behind the campaign answers his critics with: "We'd rather have Sarrazin than a muezzin." more...
Celebrating Retirement
Concerned citizens in the German city of Aschaffenburg alerted police when a pensioner began handing out cash to passers-by on the street. But apparently the man just wanted to celebrate his retirement. more...
The World from Berlin
As the first direct talks between Israelis and Palestinians in two years get underway in Washington, President Barack Obama says he is "cautiously hopeful" about finding a solution for the Middle East. German editorialists on Thursday, however, are more circumspect about his chances. more...
'Racist' Political Ad Rejected by Swedish TV
A political ad rejected as hate speech by a Swedish TV station has sparked tension between Sweden and neighboring Denmark. Some Danish leaders have cried censorship, and even want to see election observers at Sweden's upcoming national poll. more...
Life in Baghdad's Slums
Iraq's poorest people live on trash heaps, sleep amongst the rats and drink polluted water. In the country with the world's third largest oil reserves, a million people live in misery, despite the fact that the US has spent $53 billion on the country's reconstruction efforts. By Ulrike Putz in Baghdad more...
Dodging a Controversy
Back in July, it looked as though the German national football team was heading for controversy. On Wednesday, though, trainer Joachim Löw announced that Michael Ballack would remain the squad's captain. As soon as he is fit enough to play, that is. more...
'Peak Oil' and the German Government
A study by a German military think tank has analyzed how "peak oil" might change the global economy. The internal draft document -- leaked on the Internet -- shows for the first time how carefully the German government has considered a potential energy crisis. By Stefan Schultz more...
Internet Freedom
With so many of their media sources controlled by the state or government-friendly oligarchs, Russians have turned to their bloggers to keep informed and give voice to their grievances and concerns. But many of those in power are now seeking to impose rigid limits on online freedom. By Benjamin Bidder and Matthias Schepp more... [ Forum ]
'I Did Nothing Wrong'
Thousands of Germans, including teenagers, were forced to toil in Stalin's labor camps after World War II. When they were finally released, their country had been divided into east and west. Karl Heinz Vogeley and Lothar Scholz recall how no one was interested in their fate when they returned. By Solveig Grothe more...
