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 04:47:04 +0200 Sun, 19 May 2013 04:47:04 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/election-in-georgia-pits-saakashvili-against-billionaire-led-opposition-a-858533.html#ref=rss Parliamentary elections in the small Caucasus nation of Georgia will be held on Monday. President Saakashvili is waging a desperate effort against rivals who accuse him of behaving like a dictator. But he says his billionaire main opponent is nothing but a straw man for Putin. Fri, 28 Sep 2012 12:21:07 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/election-in-georgia-pits-saakashvili-against-billionaire-led-opposition-a-858533.html Parliamentary elections in the small Caucasus nation of Georgia will be held on Monday. President Saakashvili is waging a desperate effort against rivals who accuse him of behaving like a dictator. But he says his billionaire main opponent is nothing but a straw man for Putin. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-georgian-billionaire-bidzina-ivanishvili-a-823925.html#ref=rss Georgian billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili has taken on President Mikheil Saakashvili by establishing an opposition movement. Many of his supporters were recently questioned in what Amnesty has called an intimidation attempt. In a SPIEGEL ONLINE interview, Ivanishvili asks the West to drop its support for Saakashvili, who he claims wants to turn Georgia into a dictatorship. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:56:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-georgian-billionaire-bidzina-ivanishvili-a-823925.html Georgian billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili has taken on President Mikheil Saakashvili by establishing an opposition movement. Many of his supporters were recently questioned in what Amnesty has called an intimidation attempt. In a SPIEGEL ONLINE interview, Ivanishvili asks the West to drop its support for Saakashvili, who he claims wants to turn Georgia into a dictatorship.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/putin-s-unruly-children-a-new-generation-aims-to-revitalize-russia-a-814084.html#ref=rss Russia's young people are growing up with more freedom than ever. Twenty years after the end of communism, the first post-Soviet generation is transforming the country -- whether the once and future president likes it or not. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/putin-s-unruly-children-a-new-generation-aims-to-revitalize-russia-a-814084.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/russian-election-the-kremlin-s-dangerous-flirtation-with-nationalism-a-800468.html#ref=rss Ahead of Russia's parliamentary elections on Sunday, the pro-Kremlin parties are using nationalist rhetoric in a bid to exploit growing right-wing sentiment in the country. But it's a dangerous game. If the far right gets stronger, it could pose a threat to Vladimir Putin. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:27:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/russian-election-the-kremlin-s-dangerous-flirtation-with-nationalism-a-800468.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/nabbing-the-gunman-suspected-politkovskaya-killer-captured-in-chechnya-a-766021.html#ref=rss For almost five years, Rustum Makhmudov had managed to avoid arrest. Now, the suspected killer of Russian journalist Anna Polikovskaya has been arrested in Chechnya. Investigators hope to learn who else might have been complicit in the murder. Tue, 31 May 2011 18:29:03 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/nabbing-the-gunman-suspected-politkovskaya-killer-captured-in-chechnya-a-766021.html For almost five years, Rustum Makhmudov had managed to avoid arrest. Now, the suspected killer of Russian journalist Anna Polikovskaya has been arrested in Chechnya. Investigators hope to learn who else might have been complicit in the murder.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a-chechen-strongman-s-new-toy-legendary-soccer-trainer-ruud-gullit-takes-on-grozny-a-754583.html#ref=rss Dutch soccer star Ruud Gullit was a legend in the 1980s. Now he is the new manager of Chechen team Terek Grozny as part of a pet project by Chechnya's hardman leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, who hopes football success can help rebuild his battered country. But critics accuse Gullit, who used to be an outspoken proponent of human rights, of selling out. Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:58:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a-chechen-strongman-s-new-toy-legendary-soccer-trainer-ruud-gullit-takes-on-grozny-a-754583.html Dutch soccer star Ruud Gullit was a legend in the 1980s. Now he is the new manager of Chechen team Terek Grozny as part of a pet project by Chechnya's hardman leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, who hopes football success can help rebuild his battered country. But critics accuse Gullit, who used to be an outspoken proponent of human rights, of selling out.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/minorities-under-attack-the-germ-of-hate-spreads-in-russia-a-742584.html#ref=rss The terror attack on Moscow's main airport last week has fuelled the flames of xenophobia in Russia. The Kremlin isn't intervening to halt the trend that could cause deep rifts in the country's multiethnic society. Tue, 01 Feb 2011 18:29:53 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/minorities-under-attack-the-germ-of-hate-spreads-in-russia-a-742584.html The terror attack on Moscow's main airport last week has fuelled the flames of xenophobia in Russia. The Kremlin isn't intervening to halt the trend that could cause deep rifts in the country's multiethnic society. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/terrorism-in-russia-medvedev-slams-airport-security-in-attack-s-aftermath-a-741542.html#ref=rss Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has strongly criticized security officials at Moscow's Domodedovo Airport, where a terrorist attack killed at least 35 and injured scores on Monday afternoon. Investigators now say the attack was likely carried out by a female suicide bomber and an accomplice. World leaders have offered their condolences. Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:17:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/terrorism-in-russia-medvedev-slams-airport-security-in-attack-s-aftermath-a-741542.html Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has strongly criticized security officials at Moscow's Domodedovo Airport, where a terrorist attack killed at least 35 and injured scores on Monday afternoon. Investigators now say the attack was likely carried out by a female suicide bomber and an accomplice. World leaders have offered their condolences.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/moscow-terror-attack-russia-must-develop-an-alternative-to-islamism-in-the-caucasus-a-741438.html#ref=rss Russian President Dmitry Medvedev wants to weaken Islamist militants in the Caucasus by building infrastructure projects worth billions. But Monday's terror attack in Moscow shows once again how hard it will be to win the hearts and minds of the population. Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:58:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/moscow-terror-attack-russia-must-develop-an-alternative-to-islamism-in-the-caucasus-a-741438.html Russian President Dmitry Medvedev wants to weaken Islamist militants in the Caucasus by building infrastructure projects worth billions. But Monday's terror attack in Moscow shows once again how hard it will be to win the hearts and minds of the population.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/explosion-in-russia-presumed-terror-attack-kills-dozens-at-moscow-airport-a-741352.html#ref=rss Up to 35 people are dead and scores wounded following a powerful explosion at Moscow's busiest airport on Monday. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said the blast was the work of terrorists. Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:03:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/explosion-in-russia-presumed-terror-attack-kills-dozens-at-moscow-airport-a-741352.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/awkward-encounters-the-klitschkos-and-the-chechen-despot-a-735807.html#ref=rss Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko aren't just feared boxers -- they are almost universally admired for their support of democracy. But recent appearances with infamous Chechen ruler Ramzan Kadyrov have many wondering if the brothers are worthy role models. Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:30:12 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/awkward-encounters-the-klitschkos-and-the-chechen-despot-a-735807.html Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko aren't just feared boxers -- they are almost universally admired for their support of democracy. But recent appearances with infamous Chechen ruler Ramzan Kadyrov have many wondering if the brothers are worthy role models.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/wedding-in-the-caucasus-the-us-ambassador-learns-that-cognac-is-like-wine-a-732370.html#ref=rss It was surely one of the strangest parties ex-US Ambassador to Moscow William Burns ever attended. In August 2006, he sent a dispatch to the US State Department describing a high society wedding in the Caucasus -- complete with massive quantities of alcohol, lumps of gold and revolver-wielding drunkards. Thu, 02 Dec 2010 09:29:39 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/wedding-in-the-caucasus-the-us-ambassador-learns-that-cognac-is-like-wine-a-732370.html It was surely one of the strangest parties ex-US Ambassador to Moscow William Burns ever attended. In August 2006, he sent a dispatch to the US State Department describing a high society wedding in the Caucasus -- complete with massive quantities of alcohol, lumps of gold and revolver-wielding drunkards.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/terrible-losses-overnight-cables-track-us-diplomatic-efforts-to-avert-russian-georgian-conflict-a-732294.html#ref=rss The leaked embassy cables show how the US, after spending years helping to build up Georgia's military capabilities, made last-ditch diplomatic attempts to avert the August 2008 conflict between Georgia and Russia. Wed, 01 Dec 2010 22:51:20 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/terrible-losses-overnight-cables-track-us-diplomatic-efforts-to-avert-russian-georgian-conflict-a-732294.html The leaked embassy cables show how the US, after spending years helping to build up Georgia's military capabilities, made last-ditch diplomatic attempts to avert the August 2008 conflict between Georgia and Russia. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/twist-in-vienna-trial-suspect-in-murder-of-exiled-chechen-pops-up-in-grozny-a-730811.html#ref=rss Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov is alleged to have orchestrated the murder of a regime opponent in Vienna. The suspected perpetrator is currently on the run and appears to have popped up in Grozny. Chechens living in exile claim to have recognized him with Kadyrov on Russian television. Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:39:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/twist-in-vienna-trial-suspect-in-murder-of-exiled-chechen-pops-up-in-grozny-a-730811.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/kadyrov-s-web-of-influence-chechen-exile-murder-trial-begins-in-vienna-a-729330.html#ref=rss A trial involving the spectacular murder of a Chechen exile begins Tuesday in Vienna. Austrian investigators believe it was a contract killing which may be linked to Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, who is alleged to have a network of ruthless agents across Europe. Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:46:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/kadyrov-s-web-of-influence-chechen-exile-murder-trial-begins-in-vienna-a-729330.html A trial involving the spectacular murder of a Chechen exile begins Tuesday in Vienna. Austrian investigators believe it was a contract killing which may be linked to Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, who is alleged to have a network of ruthless agents across Europe.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/anarchy-in-dagestan-islamists-gain-upper-hand-in-russian-republic-a-709176.html#ref=rss Nowhere in Russia is the situation so explosive as in the autonomous republic of Dagestan. An ongoing Islamist insurgency has plunged the corruption-plagued region into near civil war. Some high-ranking Russian officials believe it will take years to defeat the extremists, if it can be done at all. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:37:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/anarchy-in-dagestan-islamists-gain-upper-hand-in-russian-republic-a-709176.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-murder-of-natalya-estemirova-rights-activists-doubt-moscow-s-explanation-a-706854.html#ref=rss This week, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev told German Chancellor Angela Merkel that investigators have identified and are hunting for the killer of human rights activists Natalya Estemirova. Many, though, think he's wrong. For one, the primary suspect is dead. For another, no one believes he did it. Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:27:52 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-murder-of-natalya-estemirova-rights-activists-doubt-moscow-s-explanation-a-706854.html This week, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev told German Chancellor Angela Merkel that investigators have identified and are hunting for the killer of human rights activists Natalya Estemirova. Many, though, think he's wrong. For one, the primary suspect is dead. For another, no one believes he did it.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/risk-factor-murder-in-vienna-leads-investigators-to-chechen-president-a-702146.html#ref=rss In January 2009, an asylum seeker from Chechnya was gunned down in front of a supermarket in Vienna. Austrian investigators now say that their inquiries have led them to suspect that Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov may have been behind the slaying. Their findings could strain relations between Europe and Russia. Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:31:55 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/risk-factor-murder-in-vienna-leads-investigators-to-chechen-president-a-702146.html In January 2009, an asylum seeker from Chechnya was gunned down in front of a supermarket in Vienna. Austrian investigators now say that their inquiries have led them to suspect that Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov may have been behind the slaying. Their findings could strain relations between Europe and Russia.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-kremlin-s-helplessness-discontent-grows-over-moscow-s-impotency-in-dealing-with-terror-a-687266.html#ref=rss Following last week's terrorist attacks on the Moscow metro, Russians are now fearing a fresh wave of violence. Many feel the Kremlin has been hopeless in dealing with Caucasus terror and that the government does more to protect its own power than the people. Mon, 05 Apr 2010 14:05:48 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-kremlin-s-helplessness-discontent-grows-over-moscow-s-impotency-in-dealing-with-terror-a-687266.html Following last week's terrorist attacks on the Moscow metro, Russians are now fearing a fresh wave of violence. Many feel the Kremlin has been hopeless in dealing with Caucasus terror and that the government does more to protect its own power than the people.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/twin-blasts-in-dagestan-caucasus-attack-fuels-fear-of-terror-wave-a-686739.html#ref=rss Two suicide bombers killed at least 12 people on Wednesday in the North Caucasus province of Dagestan. Coming just 48 hours after Monday's attacks in Moscow, there are now fears Russia could be facing a wave of terrorism. Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:20:33 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/twin-blasts-in-dagestan-caucasus-attack-fuels-fear-of-terror-wave-a-686739.html Two suicide bombers killed at least 12 people on Wednesday in the North Caucasus province of Dagestan. Coming just 48 hours after Monday's attacks in Moscow, there are now fears Russia could be facing a wave of terrorism.]]>