http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Sun, 19 May 2013 15:28:00 +0200 Sun, 19 May 2013 15:28:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/lion-populations-in-africa-decline-amid-hunting-and-habitat-loss-a-898955.html#ref=rss 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. Fri, 10 May 2013 12:51:19 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/lion-populations-in-africa-decline-amid-hunting-and-habitat-loss-a-898955.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/human-trafficking-thrives-on-sinai-peninsula-a-891585.html#ref=rss 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. Fri, 29 Mar 2013 09:11:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/human-trafficking-thrives-on-sinai-peninsula-a-891585.html 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. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/violence-plagues-african-hub-of-cocaine-trafficking-a-887306.html#ref=rss 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. Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:53:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/violence-plagues-african-hub-of-cocaine-trafficking-a-887306.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/foreign-investors-are-buying-up-farmland-in-third-world-a-884306.html#ref=rss 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. Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:36:41 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/foreign-investors-are-buying-up-farmland-in-third-world-a-884306.html 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. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/shell-mostly-cleared-by-dutch-court-in-nigeria-oil-spills-a-880568.html#ref=rss 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. Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:36:07 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/shell-mostly-cleared-by-dutch-court-in-nigeria-oil-spills-a-880568.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/nigerian-farmers-take-on-shell-in-a-dutch-court-a-880159.html#ref=rss 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. Tue, 29 Jan 2013 18:08:52 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/nigerian-farmers-take-on-shell-in-a-dutch-court-a-880159.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-lawless-sahel-offers-a-vast-sanctuary-to-islamist-extremists-a-880056.html#ref=rss 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. Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:20:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-lawless-sahel-offers-a-vast-sanctuary-to-islamist-extremists-a-880056.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/ivory-coast-president-urges-germany-to-deploy-military-to-mali-a-878791.html#ref=rss 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. Mon, 21 Jan 2013 17:54:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/ivory-coast-president-urges-germany-to-deploy-military-to-mali-a-878791.html 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. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/mali-offensive-opens-new-front-in-the-fight-against-terror-a-878750.html#ref=rss 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. Mon, 21 Jan 2013 16:35:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/mali-offensive-opens-new-front-in-the-fight-against-terror-a-878750.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/algeria-hostage-crisis-highlights-islamist-threat-across-north-africa-a-878313.html#ref=rss Dozens of hostages have reportedly been killed after Algerian forces attempted a rescue operation at a natural gas complex overtaken by Islamist gunmen. The incident demonstrates the brutality and determination with which militant Islamists in North Africa operate, just a short plane ride south of European soil. Fri, 18 Jan 2013 13:51:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/algeria-hostage-crisis-highlights-islamist-threat-across-north-africa-a-878313.html Dozens of hostages have reportedly been killed after Algerian forces attempted a rescue operation at a natural gas complex overtaken by Islamist gunmen. The incident demonstrates the brutality and determination with which militant Islamists in North Africa operate, just a short plane ride south of European soil.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-french-intervention-in-mali-could-take-longer-than-first-thought-a-877794.html#ref=rss Initially, the French intervention in Mali looked as though it would be over quickly. But President Hollande has vowed to drive out Islamist extremists and establish democracy in the country. As in Afghanistan, the operation could take much longer than expected. Wed, 16 Jan 2013 10:11:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-french-intervention-in-mali-could-take-longer-than-first-thought-a-877794.html Initially, the French intervention in Mali looked as though it would be over quickly. But President Hollande has vowed to drive out Islamist extremists and establish democracy in the country. As in Afghanistan, the operation could take much longer than expected.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/germany-faces-risks-by-offering-france-help-in-mali-operation-a-877490.html#ref=rss In Mali, the French air force is fighting to push back Islamist forces. The German government wants to stand by its close ally and has offered Paris logistical assistance. Is Berlin getting itself into another lasting conflict? Mon, 14 Jan 2013 18:13:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/germany-faces-risks-by-offering-france-help-in-mali-operation-a-877490.html In Mali, the French air force is fighting to push back Islamist forces. The German government wants to stand by its close ally and has offered Paris logistical assistance. Is Berlin getting itself into another lasting conflict?]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/france-and-west-pledge-support-after-islamists-start-offensive-in-mali-a-877050.html#ref=rss France led the West on Friday in offering to help Mali's interim government push back a surprise offensive launched Thursday by Islamist forces from the north. Elite French troops are reportedly already on the ground. Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:26:24 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/france-and-west-pledge-support-after-islamists-start-offensive-in-mali-a-877050.html France led the West on Friday in offering to help Mali's interim government push back a surprise offensive launched Thursday by Islamist forces from the north. Elite French troops are reportedly already on the ground.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/ethiopian-children-handed-free-tablet-computers-to-teach-themselves-a-874936.html#ref=rss A US aid organization has handed children in the remote Ethiopian village of Wenchi tablet computers in an experiment aimed at enabling them to teach themselves. They are now speaking their first words of English -- without ever having encountered a teacher. Fri, 28 Dec 2012 14:49:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/ethiopian-children-handed-free-tablet-computers-to-teach-themselves-a-874936.html A US aid organization has handed children in the remote Ethiopian village of Wenchi tablet computers in an experiment aimed at enabling them to teach themselves. They are now speaking their first words of English -- without ever having encountered a teacher. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/kenya-braces-for-new-ethnic-unrest-as-election-approaches-a-872816.html#ref=rss Kenya's last election ended in chaos and violence. Thousands were killed, and hundreds of thousands more were displaced. They were people like Grace Wambui, who now lives in a wasteland settlement without hope for a better future. Many fear the upcoming election could bring more violence. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 18:17:18 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/kenya-braces-for-new-ethnic-unrest-as-election-approaches-a-872816.html Kenya's last election ended in chaos and violence. Thousands were killed, and hundreds of thousands more were displaced. They were people like Grace Wambui, who now lives in a wasteland settlement without hope for a better future. Many fear the upcoming election could bring more violence.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/resignation-of-mali-prime-minister-worsens-crisis-in-north-a-872242.html#ref=rss Northern Mali is at risk of becoming a breeding ground for terrorists. But with a poorly trained Malian military and political chaos in the capital, few can agree on what should be done to bring peace and the rule of law to the region. France is in favor of quick action, but most of its allies are skeptical. Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:42:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/resignation-of-mali-prime-minister-worsens-crisis-in-north-a-872242.html Northern Mali is at risk of becoming a breeding ground for terrorists. But with a poorly trained Malian military and political chaos in the capital, few can agree on what should be done to bring peace and the rule of law to the region. France is in favor of quick action, but most of its allies are skeptical.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/congo-tense-as-government-set-to-start-talks-with-m23-rebels-a-870670.html#ref=rss After withdrawing from the provincial capital of Goma on Monday, the rebel group M23 was scheduled to meet for talks with Congolese officials in Uganda on Friday. Although they have enjoyed a rare week of peace, residents of eastern Congo are fearful of what failed negotiations might bring. Fri, 07 Dec 2012 16:33:34 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/congo-tense-as-government-set-to-start-talks-with-m23-rebels-a-870670.html After withdrawing from the provincial capital of Goma on Monday, the rebel group M23 was scheduled to meet for talks with Congolese officials in Uganda on Friday. Although they have enjoyed a rare week of peace, residents of eastern Congo are fearful of what failed negotiations might bring. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/m23-rebel-push-to-liberate-congo-could-destroy-the-country-a-869541.html#ref=rss The rebel group M23 wants to overthrow the government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At issue is the mineral coltan, which is used in mobile phones. The conflict could end up breaking the country apart. Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:28:55 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/m23-rebel-push-to-liberate-congo-could-destroy-the-country-a-869541.html The rebel group M23 wants to overthrow the government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At issue is the mineral coltan, which is used in mobile phones. The conflict could end up breaking the country apart.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a-trip-through-hell-daily-life-in-islamist-controlled-north-mali-a-864014.html#ref=rss For months, an Islamist regime has been terrorizing northern Mali. Hundreds of thousands have already fled the region, and those who have stayed behind are experiencing new forms of cruelty with each passing day. A SPIEGEL reporter documents a two-week journey through a region Europe fears will become the next Somalia. Mon, 29 Oct 2012 18:05:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a-trip-through-hell-daily-life-in-islamist-controlled-north-mali-a-864014.html For months, an Islamist regime has been terrorizing northern Mali. Hundreds of thousands have already fled the region, and those who have stayed behind are experiencing new forms of cruelty with each passing day. A SPIEGEL reporter documents a two-week journey through a region Europe fears will become the next Somalia.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/eu-weighs-options-for-helping-mali-fight-al-qaida-a-864054.html#ref=rss The European Union wants to help the Malian army recapture the renegade north from terrorists with a military mission. But the French and the Americans have already been operating in the region for years without success. Can EU intervention really make a difference? Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:31:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/eu-weighs-options-for-helping-mali-fight-al-qaida-a-864054.html The European Union wants to help the Malian army recapture the renegade north from terrorists with a military mission. But the French and the Americans have already been operating in the region for years without success. Can EU intervention really make a difference?]]>