http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Mon, 20 May 2013 05:23:20 +0200 Mon, 20 May 2013 05:23:20 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/former-hostage-gilad-shalit-and-his-father-on-israel-conflict-with-gaza-a-869381.html#ref=rss Gilad Shalit, who spent more than five years in the hands of Hamas kidnappers, harbors no thoughts of revenge toward the Islamist group. And his father, who is beginning a political career, says that Israel needs to negotiate. Tue, 27 Nov 2012 13:13:11 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/former-hostage-gilad-shalit-and-his-father-on-israel-conflict-with-gaza-a-869381.html Gilad Shalit, who spent more than five years in the hands of Hamas kidnappers, harbors no thoughts of revenge toward the Islamist group. And his father, who is beginning a political career, says that Israel needs to negotiate. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/germany-wants-eu-to-launch-initiative-to-stop-gaza-weapons-smuggling-a-869506.html#ref=rss Germany wants the European Union to help monitor the borders of the Gaza Strip and prevent weapons smuggling, according to media reports. Part of the plan calls for the EU to resume a mission at the Rafah crossing point between Egypt and Gaza, and to help equip Egyptian border guards. Tue, 27 Nov 2012 13:12:02 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/germany-wants-eu-to-launch-initiative-to-stop-gaza-weapons-smuggling-a-869506.html Germany wants the European Union to help monitor the borders of the Gaza Strip and prevent weapons smuggling, according to media reports. Part of the plan calls for the EU to resume a mission at the Rafah crossing point between Egypt and Gaza, and to help equip Egyptian border guards. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/death-hangs-over-the-gaza-strip-after-the-fighting-a-869389.html#ref=rss More than 160 people died in the eight-day Gaza war. And though the fighting may have stopped, the dead and the nightmares remain. Survivors and victims' families say they want revenge. Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:56:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/death-hangs-over-the-gaza-strip-after-the-fighting-a-869389.html More than 160 people died in the eight-day Gaza war. And though the fighting may have stopped, the dead and the nightmares remain. Survivors and victims' families say they want revenge. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/israeli-press-declares-hamas-came-out-ahead-on-ceasefire-a-868728.html#ref=rss Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sought to claim Wednesday's ceasefire deal as a personal success. But not many seem to agree. Influential commentators in Israel believe that Hamas came out ahead -- and that the Islamist group has now been elevated to the status of negotiating partner. Thu, 22 Nov 2012 14:54:49 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/israeli-press-declares-hamas-came-out-ahead-on-ceasefire-a-868728.html Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sought to claim Wednesday's ceasefire deal as a personal success. But not many seem to agree. Influential commentators in Israel believe that Hamas came out ahead -- and that the Islamist group has now been elevated to the status of negotiating partner.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/israelis-call-for-retaliation-after-tel-aviv-bus-bombing-a-868515.html#ref=rss A bus explosion in Tel Aviv has stunned Israel. Though those responsible have yet to be identified, most Israelis believe Hamas is to blame. They say that there is no option but retaliation. Wed, 21 Nov 2012 17:44:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/israelis-call-for-retaliation-after-tel-aviv-bus-bombing-a-868515.html A bus explosion in Tel Aviv has stunned Israel. Though those responsible have yet to be identified, most Israelis believe Hamas is to blame. They say that there is no option but retaliation.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/analysis-of-hamas-military-capability-after-six-day-conflict-with-israel-a-868353.html#ref=rss Hamas has fired some 1,000 rockets at Israel. Its arsenal includes missiles made in Iran and China as well as the homemade Qassam rockets. Israel says it has destroyed most of them. But as long as fresh supplies keep coming through Egypt, the power of Hamas will be unbroken. Tue, 20 Nov 2012 18:28:14 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/analysis-of-hamas-military-capability-after-six-day-conflict-with-israel-a-868353.html Hamas has fired some 1,000 rockets at Israel. Its arsenal includes missiles made in Iran and China as well as the homemade Qassam rockets. Israel says it has destroyed most of them. But as long as fresh supplies keep coming through Egypt, the power of Hamas will be unbroken.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a-rain-of-rockets-how-hamas-terror-works-along-the-border-a-868215.html#ref=rss Hamas is firing rockets into Israel from the Gaza Strip each day, bringing normal life to a halt for Israelis living near the border. Each time the sirens wail, residents are forced to flee into shelters. Many feel that any kind of retaliation is justified if it helps ease their fears. Tue, 20 Nov 2012 12:38:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a-rain-of-rockets-how-hamas-terror-works-along-the-border-a-868215.html Hamas is firing rockets into Israel from the Gaza Strip each day, bringing normal life to a halt for Israelis living near the border. Each time the sirens wail, residents are forced to flee into shelters. Many feel that any kind of retaliation is justified if it helps ease their fears. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/israeli-attacks-put-new-balance-of-power-in-mideast-to-test-a-868041.html#ref=rss The bitter battle in Gaza highlights the fact that Islamist extremists have gained ground in the Palestinian territories with support from Egypt and Iran. The next battleground is likely to be the United Nations, where the Palestinians are seeking observer status. Has Israel miscalculated with its new offensive? Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:47:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/israeli-attacks-put-new-balance-of-power-in-mideast-to-test-a-868041.html The bitter battle in Gaza highlights the fact that Islamist extremists have gained ground in the Palestinian territories with support from Egypt and Iran. The next battleground is likely to be the United Nations, where the Palestinians are seeking observer status. Has Israel miscalculated with its new offensive?]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/cairo-under-pressure-as-israeli-palestinian-violence-escalates-a-867740.html#ref=rss The outbreak of Israeli-Palestinian violence poses a delicate diplomatic challenge for the Egyptian government. While the powerful Muslim Brotherhood is sympathetic to Hamas and public anger is swelling in Egypt against the Israeli military operation in Gaza, President Morsi is also under international pressure to help broker a ceasefire and safeguard peace in the region. Fri, 16 Nov 2012 18:40:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/cairo-under-pressure-as-israeli-palestinian-violence-escalates-a-867740.html The outbreak of Israeli-Palestinian violence poses a delicate diplomatic challenge for the Egyptian government. While the powerful Muslim Brotherhood is sympathetic to Hamas and public anger is swelling in Egypt against the Israeli military operation in Gaza, President Morsi is also under international pressure to help broker a ceasefire and safeguard peace in the region.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/german-press-reaction-to-new-wave-of-violence-in-gaza-strip-a-867645.html#ref=rss The current outbreak of fighting in Gaza is now in its third day, and Israel is threatening to escalate its war on Hamas with a ground invasion. German commentators on Friday worry that a move meant to win votes in an upcoming election could quickly veer out of control. Fri, 16 Nov 2012 15:23:02 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/german-press-reaction-to-new-wave-of-violence-in-gaza-strip-a-867645.html The current outbreak of fighting in Gaza is now in its third day, and Israel is threatening to escalate its war on Hamas with a ground invasion. German commentators on Friday worry that a move meant to win votes in an upcoming election could quickly veer out of control.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-hidden-risks-of-israel-s-offensive-in-the-gaza-strip-a-867484.html#ref=rss Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hoping the offensive in the Gaza Strip wins his Likud party more votes in January's election. But the move is extremely risky. Skirmishes could escalate into a full-blown war that might weaken Hamas but shift Palestinian support behind even more radical groups. Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:42:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-hidden-risks-of-israel-s-offensive-in-the-gaza-strip-a-867484.html Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hoping the offensive in the Gaza Strip wins his Likud party more votes in January's election. But the move is extremely risky. Skirmishes could escalate into a full-blown war that might weaken Hamas but shift Palestinian support behind even more radical groups.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a-palestinian-take-on-the-mideast-conflict-the-pursuit-of-a-two-state-solution-is-a-fantasy-a-816491.html#ref=rss Prominent Palestinian philosopher Sari Nusseibeh believes it is too late for a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict. In a SPIEGEL interview, he outlines his vision for an Israeli-Palestinian confederation and why he mistrusts the new moderate stance taken by the Islamic militant group Hamas. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:24:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a-palestinian-take-on-the-mideast-conflict-the-pursuit-of-a-two-state-solution-is-a-fantasy-a-816491.html Prominent Palestinian philosopher Sari Nusseibeh believes it is too late for a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict. In a SPIEGEL interview, he outlines his vision for an Israeli-Palestinian confederation and why he mistrusts the new moderate stance taken by the Islamic militant group Hamas.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/aid-flotilla-debate-what-the-gaza-strip-really-needs-a-773264.html#ref=rss An aid flotilla laden with supplies has been trying to reach the Gaza Strip for weeks. But residents can only laugh at some of the ships' contents. They have enough cement. What they need is the chance to make a living, they say. Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:04:10 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/aid-flotilla-debate-what-the-gaza-strip-really-needs-a-773264.html An aid flotilla laden with supplies has been trying to reach the Gaza Strip for weeks. But residents can only laugh at some of the ships' contents. They have enough cement. What they need is the chance to make a living, they say. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/open-letter-on-middle-east-policy-lasting-peace-only-possible-with-hamas-on-board-a-767819.html#ref=rss It is time for the European Union to rethink its policy in the Middle East. That is the demand being made by 24 former heads of government, foreign ministers and peace negotiators. A Hamas recognition of Israel should be the goal rather than the precondition of the peace process, the leaders write in an open letter. Fri, 10 Jun 2011 09:24:21 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/open-letter-on-middle-east-policy-lasting-peace-only-possible-with-hamas-on-board-a-767819.html It is time for the European Union to rethink its policy in the Middle East. That is the demand being made by 24 former heads of government, foreign ministers and peace negotiators. A Hamas recognition of Israel should be the goal rather than the precondition of the peace process, the leaders write in an open letter.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-nothing-but-bad-news-for-the-middle-east-peace-process-a-759751.html#ref=rss The agreement between the radical Islamists of Hamas and the moderate Palestinian group Fatah to create a caretaker government has not been well received in the West. It could provide a necessary impetus in the Middle East peace process, say German commentators, but only if Hamas recognizes Israel. Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:48:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-nothing-but-bad-news-for-the-middle-east-peace-process-a-759751.html The agreement between the radical Islamists of Hamas and the moderate Palestinian group Fatah to create a caretaker government has not been well received in the West. It could provide a necessary impetus in the Middle East peace process, say German commentators, but only if Hamas recognizes Israel.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/an-israeli-prisoner-in-gaza-german-mediation-in-shalit-affair-faces-failure-a-756172.html#ref=rss German efforts to negotiate the release of Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier who was captured by the Islamist Palestinian group Hamas in 2006, appear to have failed. Palestinian leaders have blamed the German mediator of siding with the Israelis, a sign that Shalit's imprisonment won't likely end soon. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:30:29 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/an-israeli-prisoner-in-gaza-german-mediation-in-shalit-affair-faces-failure-a-756172.html German efforts to negotiate the release of Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier who was captured by the Islamist Palestinian group Hamas in 2006, appear to have failed. Palestinian leaders have blamed the German mediator of siding with the Israelis, a sign that Shalit's imprisonment won't likely end soon.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/an-eye-for-an-eye-the-anatomy-of-mossad-s-dubai-operation-a-739908.html#ref=rss In the spring of 1989, a Palestinian terrorist murdered an Israeli soldier. Twenty years later in Dubai, the Israeli secret service agency Mossad avenged the killing. The operation succeeded, but nevertheless has become a fiasco. SPIEGEL has reconstructed the attack. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i> Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:54:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/an-eye-for-an-eye-the-anatomy-of-mossad-s-dubai-operation-a-739908.html In the spring of 1989, a Palestinian terrorist murdered an Israeli soldier. Twenty years later in Dubai, the Israeli secret service agency Mossad avenged the killing. The operation succeeded, but nevertheless has become a fiasco. SPIEGEL has reconstructed the attack. By SPIEGEL Staff ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/hamas-tightening-grip-on-power-targeting-fun-in-the-gaza-strip-a-728138.html#ref=rss For the few with money in the Gaza Strip, a new water park provided relief from monotony and widespread misery. Hamas, though, has now burned it down -- and sent a message that even the elite must conform to the Islamists' restrictive rules. Tue, 09 Nov 2010 15:58:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/hamas-tightening-grip-on-power-targeting-fun-in-the-gaza-strip-a-728138.html For the few with money in the Gaza Strip, a new water park provided relief from monotony and widespread misery. Hamas, though, has now burned it down -- and sent a message that even the elite must conform to the Islamists' restrictive rules.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-westerwelle-was-right-to-urge-israel-to-lift-gaza-blockade-a-728093.html#ref=rss German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle urged Israel to lift its embargo on the Gaza Strip during a visit to the region on Monday. His statements have earned praise from media commentators back home, who also say that an improvement in living conditions in Gaza might help bring peace. Tue, 09 Nov 2010 13:25:51 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-westerwelle-was-right-to-urge-israel-to-lift-gaza-blockade-a-728093.html German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle urged Israel to lift its embargo on the Gaza Strip during a visit to the region on Monday. His statements have earned praise from media commentators back home, who also say that an improvement in living conditions in Gaza might help bring peace.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-foreign-minister-in-middle-east-westerwelle-walks-diplomatic-tightrope-on-first-trip-to-gaza-a-727968.html#ref=rss German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle visited the Gaza Strip on Monday in a bid to pressure Israel to lift its embargo. Amid the war ruins and potholed streets, the minister got an impression of the Palestinians' plight -- and was visibly moved. Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:18:30 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-foreign-minister-in-middle-east-westerwelle-walks-diplomatic-tightrope-on-first-trip-to-gaza-a-727968.html German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle visited the Gaza Strip on Monday in a bid to pressure Israel to lift its embargo. Amid the war ruins and potholed streets, the minister got an impression of the Palestinians' plight -- and was visibly moved.]]>