February 09, 2012, 06:08 PM
Picture This
February 09, 2012, 12:59 PM
Stalled Austerity Talks
Greek political leaders on Wednesday night were unable to come to agreement on a European Union demand for 300 million euros worth of pension cuts. The snag could jeopardize an EU aid package worth 130 billion euros -- and Greece's ongoing membership in the euro zone. Elsewhere, though, progress appears to have been made. more...
February 08, 2012, 06:03 PM
Picture This
February 08, 2012, 04:31 PM
Ice Fever
The event hasn't been held for 15 years. But, this week, Holland is abuzz with anticipation that the famed "11 Cities Tour" might take place in the coming days. All that's needed are a few more cold nights before 16,000 skaters can take to the 200-kilometer course. By Charles Hawley more...
February 08, 2012, 01:06 PM
Poor Performance
US automaker General Motors is reportedly losing its patience with its European unit Opel/Vauxhall. Steep losses may now result in factory closures and layoffs, including the Opel factory in Bochum, Germany, according to media reports. The labor conflict could be reminiscent of 2009, when GM elected not to sell Opel. more...
February 08, 2012, 11:34 AM
Concerned over Cracks
Australian airline Qantas has temporarily suspended flights with one of its A380 super jumbo jet aircraft after hairline cracks were found. In the light of the discovery, Europe's aviation safety authority has ordered inspections on all the Airbus double-decker planes in service. more... [ Forum ]
February 08, 2012, 10:36 AM
Pacific Battlefield Tourism
World War II ravaged the tiny island of Peleliu in 1944 as US and Japanese forces clashed in one of the fiercest battles of the Pacific campaign. Rusting tanks, wrecked aircraft and live shells strewn across the island continue to attract battlefield tourists to this beautiful but dangerous place. By Stefan Robert Weißenborn more...
February 07, 2012, 06:06 PM
Opinion
Whether it be an escrow account or a budget commissioner, the latest demands by Germany show just how absurd negotiations over Greece's future have become. It is high time to bring an end to this tragicomedy. A Commentary By Stefan Kaiser more... [ Forum ]
February 07, 2012, 05:47 PM
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February 07, 2012, 05:11 PM
Deadly Cold Snap
The cold snap which has held Europe in its grip for over a week has yet to relent. Several countries have reported rising numbers of casualties as a result of the deep freeze. Holland, meanwhile, hopes the cold continues long enough to hold the mythical ice-skating race called Elfstedentocht. more...
February 07, 2012, 02:41 PM
The World from Berlin
Angela Merkel's decision to campaign on behalf of French President Sarkozy has infuriated the German opposition, with some warning that it could damage German-French ties. But German commentators say that the bigger threat is posed by Sarkozy's Socialist challenger Francois Hollande. more...
February 07, 2012, 01:34 PM
Kremlin's Tough Top Diplomat
Sergey Lavrov has reaped massive criticism for Moscow's veto of the UN Security Council resolution on Syria, but the Russian foreign minister remains unmoved. The top diplomat, who met with Syrian President Bashar Assad in Damascus on Tuesday, has a track record of standing up to the West. By Benjamin Bidder in Moscow more... [ Forum ]
February 07, 2012, 01:10 PM
Unwanted Guests
The foundations affiliated with Germany's major political parties are playing an important role in the upheavals in the Middle East, attracting the attention of the region's rulers -- and making them the targets of harassment. The organizations' troubles are by no means limited to Egypt, where the offices of one German organization were recently searched. By SPIEGEL Staff more...
February 07, 2012, 12:45 PM
Watching the Opposition
Two men have been arrested in Berlin for allegedly spying on members of the Syrian opposition in Germany, prosecutors said Tuesday. Officials were also searching the homes of six others suspected of similar activities. The arrests came amid international outrage at Syria's violent crackdown on opposition. more... [ Forum ]
February 07, 2012, 11:45 AM
Exile in Chile
She may be "tough" and "sporty," but the exiled widow of East Germany's former leader still misses home. Margot Honecker longs for the forests and wild mushrooms of Germany, the author of a new book about her husband says. more...
February 07, 2012, 08:42 AM
Debt Crisis Myth
There is a widespread belief that Germany is the big winner of the euro crisis, as investors stash their money in the euro zone's last safe haven, driving interest rates on German bonds down to record lows. But the idea is just a myth. Indeed, the crisis could end up costing Berlin dearly. By Sven Böll more... [ Forum ]
