SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 21, 2013
A marvel of nature, the lakes of Ounianga in the Sahara Desert have lasted thousands of years and withstood dramatic climate change. Now, a German geologist has analyzed lakebed sediments to shed light on a spectacular chapter in human history. By Johann Grolle more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 10, 2013
Lions are becoming a threatened species. Trophy hunters and the loss of savannah grasslands have drastically reduced the number of prides. Scientists and conservationists are calling for improved protections for lions -- even if that means fenced-in enclosures. By Renate Nimtz-Koester more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- March 29, 2013
The Sinai Peninsula has become a prison and grave for thousands of African refugees. They are kidnapped, imprisoned and tortured to death even after their families have paid hefty ransoms. But Egypt refuses to act. By Nicola Abé in North Sinai more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- March 08, 2013
Guinea-Bissau has become a major hub of cocaine trafficking between Latin America and Europe. But any wealth the West African nation has derived from its middleman status has been offset by increased violence and instability. By Alexander Smoltczyk more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 19, 2013
Foreign investors are buying or leasing vast amounts of farmland in Third World countries to profit from surging demand for food crops as a result of rapid population growth. "Land grabbing" amounts to a new form of colonialism that often runs counter to the interests of locals. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- January 30, 2013
A closely watched environmental lawsuit against oil giant Shell has ended in mixed results. A court in The Hague cleared the company of wrongdoing in oil spills in the Niger Delta, but ordered its subsidiary to compensate one farmer for revenue lost because of the damage. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- January 29, 2013
Four Nigerian villagers from the Niger River delta have challenged mighty Shell in a Dutch court. They complain that the oil giant has caused environmental devastation and ruined their homes. A verdict in the unprecedented case is expected on Wednesday. By Nils Klawitter more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- January 28, 2013
France is advancing quickly against the Islamists in northern Mali, having already made it to Timbuktu. But the Sahel offers a vast sanctuary for the extremists, complete with training camps, lawlessness and plenty of ways to make money. By Paul Hyacinthe Mben, Jan Puhl and Thilo Thielke more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- January 21, 2013
In an interview, Alassane Ouattara, president of the Ivory Coast and chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), urges Germany's leaders to engage more in the fight against Islamists in northern Mali. In addition to logistical aid, Berlin should also send troops, he argues. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- January 21, 2013
France has found early success in its fight against Islamist extremists in northern Mali. But Saharan terrorist groups have close ties and are prepared for a prolonged battle. The hostage crisis in Algeria shows that the new front in the war on terror could become a protracted conflict. By Paul Hyacinthe Mben and Jan Puhl more... [ Comment ]
