http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Fri, 24 May 2013 17:22:48 +0200 Fri, 24 May 2013 17:22:48 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/rumors-tie-father-of-boston-bombers-to-kyrgyzstan-mafia-boss-a-897935.html#ref=rss As law-enforcement officials search for clues about the early life of the Boston Marathon bombers, a number of conspiracy theories are coming to light. Many are based on alleged ties between the men's father and a local mafia boss in Kyrgyzstan. Fri, 03 May 2013 15:56:44 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/rumors-tie-father-of-boston-bombers-to-kyrgyzstan-mafia-boss-a-897935.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/boys-and-their-toys-the-us-befriends-azerbaijan-s-corrupt-elite-a-734307.html#ref=rss Azerbaijan is rife with corruption and comparisons to European feudalism in the Middle Ages are hardly a stretch. But with vast reserves of oil and natural gas at stake, the US is willing to risk the embarrassment that comes with courting the country. Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:05:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/boys-and-their-toys-the-us-befriends-azerbaijan-s-corrupt-elite-a-734307.html Azerbaijan is rife with corruption and comparisons to European feudalism in the Middle Ages are hardly a stretch. But with vast reserves of oil and natural gas at stake, the US is willing to risk the embarrassment that comes with courting the country.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/bridges-to-nowhere-america-s-unsavory-friends-in-central-asia-a-734033.html#ref=rss The US is anxious to broaden its influence in Central Asia -- and limit that of Russia. The result, however, are questionable alliances with some of the strangest despots in the world. Sun, 12 Dec 2010 22:33:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/bridges-to-nowhere-america-s-unsavory-friends-in-central-asia-a-734033.html The US is anxious to broaden its influence in Central Asia -- and limit that of Russia. The result, however, are questionable alliances with some of the strangest despots in the world.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/there-will-be-another-war-an-islamist-uprising-in-tajikistan-a-727526.html#ref=rss International observers consider Tajikistan to be a failed state in the midst of a national crisis. A growing mood of protest there is benefitting the Islamic opposition. Hundreds of new mosques have opened since the beginning of the year, and more women are seen wearing veils on the streets of Dushanbe. Fri, 05 Nov 2010 17:32:40 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/there-will-be-another-war-an-islamist-uprising-in-tajikistan-a-727526.html International observers consider Tajikistan to be a failed state in the midst of a national crisis. A growing mood of protest there is benefitting the Islamic opposition. Hundreds of new mosques have opened since the beginning of the year, and more women are seen wearing veils on the streets of Dushanbe.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/hubs-for-gas-and-militaries-the-world-powers-court-central-asia-a-727171.html#ref=rss The world's great powers are all vying for influence and access in Central Asian countries, which are important supply hubs in the Afghanistan war and could become pivotal in reducing Europe's dependence on Russian natural gas. Despite the interest, the countries in the region still haven't come up with a vision for a common future. Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:35:45 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/hubs-for-gas-and-militaries-the-world-powers-court-central-asia-a-727171.html The world's great powers are all vying for influence and access in Central Asian countries, which are important supply hubs in the Afghanistan war and could become pivotal in reducing Europe's dependence on Russian natural gas. Despite the interest, the countries in the region still haven't come up with a vision for a common future.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/appeasing-the-uzbek-dictator-who-s-afraid-of-the-ruler-of-the-silk-road-a-724471.html#ref=rss Uzbekistan is both a nation of terror led by brutal dictator Islam Karimov and a partner of the West that is an important staging ground for NATO's war in Afghanistan. Its story is best told through the eyes of two men -- the flamboyant former British ambassador and the current top German diplomat in the country. Fri, 29 Oct 2010 18:52:13 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/appeasing-the-uzbek-dictator-who-s-afraid-of-the-ruler-of-the-silk-road-a-724471.html Uzbekistan is both a nation of terror led by brutal dictator Islam Karimov and a partner of the West that is an important staging ground for NATO's war in Afghanistan. Its story is best told through the eyes of two men -- the flamboyant former British ambassador and the current top German diplomat in the country.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/dreaming-of-snow-leopards-nazarbayev-dictates-a-bright-future-for-kazakhstan-a-721582.html#ref=rss Kazakhstan has oil, coal and uranium -- and a capital full of stunning architecture. President Nursultan Nazarbayev hopes his country can become the region's leading economy, but his heavy-handed cult of personality is not universally welcomed. Others worry about China's growing influence. Fri, 15 Oct 2010 13:26:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/dreaming-of-snow-leopards-nazarbayev-dictates-a-bright-future-for-kazakhstan-a-721582.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/spiegel-central-asia-special-the-new-great-game-a-722173.html#ref=rss In a special series, SPIEGEL explores Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. These countries, once the center of the "Great Game," a bitter struggle over natural resources and strategic bases between the British and Russian colonial powers, are seeing history repeat itself. Fri, 08 Oct 2010 19:30:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/spiegel-central-asia-special-the-new-great-game-a-722173.html In a special series, SPIEGEL explores Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. These countries, once the center of the "Great Game," a bitter struggle over natural resources and strategic bases between the British and Russian colonial powers, are seeing history repeat itself.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a-completely-lawless-place-kyrgyzstan-has-become-an-ungovernable-country-a-720631.html#ref=rss In the wake of ethnic violence in June that killed almost 2,000 people, Kyrgyzstan has been plagued by violence and lawlessness. Now the country is to become the first parliamentary republic in Central Asia. But is it ready for democracy? Fri, 08 Oct 2010 18:37:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a-completely-lawless-place-kyrgyzstan-has-become-an-ungovernable-country-a-720631.html In the wake of ethnic violence in June that killed almost 2,000 people, Kyrgyzstan has been plagued by violence and lawlessness. Now the country is to become the first parliamentary republic in Central Asia. But is it ready for democracy?]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/leading-the-country-into-a-dead-end-former-president-slams-kyrgyzstan-s-democracy-plans-a-703304.html#ref=rss The vast majority of Kyrgyzstan's residents may have voted in favor of the country's interim government and its planned democratic reforms in Sunday's referendum, but the deposed Kyrgyz president is convinced they are harming his homeland. In a SPIEGEL interview, Kurmanbek Bakiyev said the current leaders are "unfit" to govern the country. Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:57:36 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/leading-the-country-into-a-dead-end-former-president-slams-kyrgyzstan-s-democracy-plans-a-703304.html The vast majority of Kyrgyzstan's residents may have voted in favor of the country's interim government and its planned democratic reforms in Sunday's referendum, but the deposed Kyrgyz president is convinced they are harming his homeland. In a SPIEGEL interview, Kurmanbek Bakiyev said the current leaders are "unfit" to govern the country.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/spiegel-interview-with-kyrgyzstan-s-interim-president-we-are-experiencing-a-new-kind-of-terror-a-701823.html#ref=rss Kyrgyzstan's interim president, Roza Otunbayeva, has been struggling to deal with ethnic violence in her country. In a SPIEGEL interview, she claims that supporters of her predecessor Kurmanbek Bakiyev are deliberately trying to stoke conflict and speaks of her efforts to make Kyrgyzstan into a parliamentary democracy. Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:01:46 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/spiegel-interview-with-kyrgyzstan-s-interim-president-we-are-experiencing-a-new-kind-of-terror-a-701823.html Kyrgyzstan's interim president, Roza Otunbayeva, has been struggling to deal with ethnic violence in her country. In a SPIEGEL interview, she claims that supporters of her predecessor Kurmanbek Bakiyev are deliberately trying to stoke conflict and speaks of her efforts to make Kyrgyzstan into a parliamentary democracy.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/kyrgyzstan-falls-apart-can-democracy-work-in-central-asia-a-701822.html#ref=rss Kyrgyzstan was once seen as a model of democracy in Central Asia. Now it appears to have become ungovernable, with tens of thousands of residents fleeing the country after deadly ethnic clashes. Is this the end of democracy in the region? Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:58:29 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/kyrgyzstan-falls-apart-can-democracy-work-in-central-asia-a-701822.html Kyrgyzstan was once seen as a model of democracy in Central Asia. Now it appears to have become ungovernable, with tens of thousands of residents fleeing the country after deadly ethnic clashes. Is this the end of democracy in the region?]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/unrest-in-central-asia-kyrgyzstan-is-on-the-brink-of-collapse-a-701265.html#ref=rss With hundreds dead and tens of thousands of refugees, ethnic violence has brought chaos to Kyrgyzstan. Central Asia policy expert Andrea Schmitz told SPIEGEL ONLINE about the history behind the attacks on the Uzbek minority and the wobbly transitional government. Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:31:45 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/unrest-in-central-asia-kyrgyzstan-is-on-the-brink-of-collapse-a-701265.html With hundreds dead and tens of thousands of refugees, ethnic violence has brought chaos to Kyrgyzstan. Central Asia policy expert Andrea Schmitz told SPIEGEL ONLINE about the history behind the attacks on the Uzbek minority and the wobbly transitional government.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/caspian-riches-kazakh-oil-a-war-of-nerves-a-577836.html#ref=rss Russian brinkmanship could imperil the flow of oil and money across the Caspian to Europe. Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:47:45 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/caspian-riches-kazakh-oil-a-war-of-nerves-a-577836.html Russian brinkmanship could imperil the flow of oil and money across the Caspian to Europe.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-eu-s-ring-of-friendship-buddies-in-baku-amigos-in-armenia-a-539799.html#ref=rss Where does Europe end? The EU's Neighborhood Policy seeks to ensure prosperity and stability in countries bordering the 27-member club. The problem is, the neighbors would like to join, too. Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:19:31 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-eu-s-ring-of-friendship-buddies-in-baku-amigos-in-armenia-a-539799.html Where does Europe end? The EU's Neighborhood Policy seeks to ensure prosperity and stability in countries bordering the 27-member club. The problem is, the neighbors would like to join, too.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/the-new-great-game-opportunities-for-trans-atlantic-cooperation-in-the-caspian-region-a-469857.html#ref=rss Natural resources in the Caspian region are vital to the European Union's future energy policy. Though the United States has been focusing on the region since the 1990s, European decision-makers have largely neglected its strategic importance. Mon, 05 Mar 2007 17:58:06 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/the-new-great-game-opportunities-for-trans-atlantic-cooperation-in-the-caspian-region-a-469857.html Natural resources in the Caspian region are vital to the European Union's future energy policy. Though the United States has been focusing on the region since the 1990s, European decision-makers have largely neglected its strategic importance.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/central-asian-powerhouse-the-kazakhstan-klondike-a-447451.html#ref=rss Forget Borat. Kazakhstan is hoping to become a powerhouse in Central Asia. President Nursultan Nazarbayev has built himself a brand new capital city in the middle of the steppes as a symbol of his country's riches. Thu, 09 Nov 2006 15:43:44 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/central-asian-powerhouse-the-kazakhstan-klondike-a-447451.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/europe-s-energy-worries-currying-favor-with-the-turkmenbashi-a-412923.html#ref=rss Recent Russian threats about possible cuts in natural gas deliveries has the European Union concerned. But new light being shed on Western overtures to the despotic ruler of energy-rich Turkmenistan won't lessen the unease. Tue, 25 Apr 2006 15:03:49 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/europe-s-energy-worries-currying-favor-with-the-turkmenbashi-a-412923.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/putin-s-perils-revolutions-speed-russia-s-disintegration-a-349878.html#ref=rss Following the coup in Kyrgyzstan, resistance and disappointment are growing in Moscow over President Vladimir Putin's troublesome policies. The revolution is spreading in the former Soviet republics and many are now asking how long it will take before it reaches the Russian capital. Mon, 04 Apr 2005 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/putin-s-perils-revolutions-speed-russia-s-disintegration-a-349878.html Following the coup in Kyrgyzstan, resistance and disappointment are growing in Moscow over President Vladimir Putin's troublesome policies. The revolution is spreading in the former Soviet republics and many are now asking how long it will take before it reaches the Russian capital.]]>