David Bowie's New Song Back In Berlin, At Least In Spirit

David Bowie's surprise new song deals heavily with the time he spent in Berlin as a young musician, a brief period that has become part of the German capital's identity. But what does the melancholy tune reveal about his memories of the city? By Kristen Allen more... [ Forum ]

Disastrous Public Works Projects A History of Political Deception in Germany

Berlin's airport debacle is turning into what seems like a never-ending scandal, with critics worrying the capital city has seriously damaged its image. But it's not the only place in Germany that has seen projects plagued by delays and exploding costs. By Florian Diekmann, Michael Kröger and Anna Reimann more... [ Forum ]

Picture This Grin and Bear It

One of Us Women Left Behind on India's March to Modernity

The case of the student gang raped in Delhi reveals how deep-seated misogyny remains in Indian society. Even as women are encouraged to study and join the work force, prejudice is rampant. It is time for change. An Essay by Kishwar Desai more... [ Forum ]

Replacing Juncker Dutch Minister Favored to Head Euro Group

Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem, a relative newcomer to EU politics, is now the favorite to take over the top spot at the Euro Group of euro-zone finance ministers. By Stefan Simons and Carsten Volkery more...

The World from Berlin Blame Traded after Failed Church Abuse Probe 

The German Catholic Church called off an independent review of allegations of sexual abuse in its ranks this week. The head of the investigation accused the Church of censorship. On Thursday, the two sides traded blame as German commentators largely mourned the end of the examination. more...

Alone by the Millions Isolation Crisis Threatens German Seniors

Communities have long worried about the physical safety of the elderly. But the swelling number of senior citizens living alone in Germany now has them scrambling to respond to even more pernicious threats: loneliness and isolation. By Guido Kleinhubbert and Antje Windmann more... [ Forum ]

Subway Side-Effects UNESCO to Look Into Cologne Cathedral Vibrations

A newly opened subway line in Cologne is causing the city's beloved World Heritage cathedral to vibrate, raising concerns that it might suffer damage. Although it has yet to be formerly notified, UNESCO is anxious to know what is going on. By Charles Hawley more... [ Forum ]

Abandoned Colony in Greenland Archaeologists Find Clues to Viking Mystery

For years, researchers have puzzled over why Viking descendents abandoned Greenland in the late 15th century. But archaeologists now believe that economic and identity issues, rather than starvation and disease, drove them back to their ancestral homes. By Günther Stockinger more... [ Forum ]

The Waiting Room by the Sea Times Are A-Changin' in Havana

A new law easing travel restrictions goes into effect on the Caribbean island of Cuba on Jan. 14. With tentative reforms, the Castro regime is preparing for the 55th anniversary of the country's revolution. A sea change is already on the horizon in the capital Havana. By Walter Mayr in Havana more...

Lower Saxony Election Looms Half-Scot McAllister Battles to Stay in Office

With Braveheart-style bagpipe music, David McAllister, the half-Scottish governor of Lower Saxony, is fighting to stay in office in an election later this month. A loss wouldn't bode well for Chancellor Angela Merkel, who could suffer the same fate in the September. By SPIEGEL ONLINE Staff more...

Picture This Snowed In

Skeletons in the Closet Daughter of Klaus Kinski Alleges Abuse

Pola Kinski, daughter of late German actor Klaus Kinski, has accused her legendary father of years of sexual abuse in an interview scheduled to run in a prominent newsweekly. "He simply took what he wanted," she claims. more...

Sex Abuse Scandal German Catholic Church Cancels Inquiry

An independent inquiry into sex abuse in the German Catholic Church was supposed to restore faith in the embattled institution. But now the Church has called it off, citing a breakdown in trust with the researchers. By Barbara Hans more... [ Forum ]

Arrogant, Withdrawn, Overstretched Berlin Mayor's Time Has Come - And Gone

Klaus Wowereit wanted Berlin's new international airport to be his political legacy. Instead it could cost him his job. Even if he isn't in imminent danger, his days as the city's mayor are likely numbered. A Commentary By Florian Gathmann and Veit Medick more... [ Forum ]

Polish Authorities Launch Probe Anger at Painting Made of Holocaust Victim Ash

A Swedish artist has caused outrage by claiming to have created a painting using ash he took from an oven in Majdanek concentration camp. Polish prosecutors said on Tuesday they had opened an investigation. more...

Euro-Crisis Hope Confidence in European Banks Is Returning

There is cause for hope in Southern Europe. New numbers indicate that trust is returning to banks located in countries that have been hit hardest by the euro crisis. But even as discrepencies in the Continent's Target2 payment system shrink, danger still lurks. By Stefan Kaiser more... [ Forum ]

'Mama Come!' Parrot with Child's Voice Sparks Police Operation

Police forced their way into an apartment in Germany after hearing what they described as a "child-like voice" calling for its mother and father. Instead of an abandoned toddler, they found a cheerful and very talkative parrot. more... [ Forum ]

Artificial Resuscitation Pumping New Life into Brackish Baltic Sea

Polluted and virtually cut off from the restorative flow of other bodies of water, Europe's Baltic Sea is slowly running out of oxygen. But one scientist hopes to artificially oxygenate it with pumps. Critics worry there could be unforeseen consequences. By Laura Höflinger more... [ Forum ]

Opposition in Berlin Cyprus Bailout Could Fail in German Parliament

The urgently needed bailout of the Cypriot banking industry is in danger of being vetoed by the German parliament. The opposition Social Democrats say they are leaning towards voting no, according to a media report. With Chancellor Merkel unable to rely on her own majority, that could be bad news for Cyprus and for the euro. more... [ Forum ]