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 08:52:25 +0200 Fri, 24 May 2013 08:52:25 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/former-brazilian-favela-queen-recalls-life-in-rio-drug-trade-a-891072.html#ref=rss Fabiana Escobar was married to one of the most powerful drug lords in Rio de Janeiro. Together they helped run the cocaine trade in the city's largest favela. But her husband was thrown in jail, and police retook control of the slum. Now Escobar says she wants to stop other women from making the same mistakes she made. Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:18:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/former-brazilian-favela-queen-recalls-life-in-rio-drug-trade-a-891072.html Fabiana Escobar was married to one of the most powerful drug lords in Rio de Janeiro. Together they helped run the cocaine trade in the city's largest favela. But her husband was thrown in jail, and police retook control of the slum. Now Escobar says she wants to stop other women from making the same mistakes she made.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/argentina-celebrates-choice-of-cardinal-bergoglio-as-pope-francis-a-888838.html#ref=rss Germans went crazy went Joseph Ratzinger was chosen as pope in 2005. On Wednesday, it was Argentina's turn, with crowds gathering at a Buenos Aires cathedral and chanting in celebration. T-shirts bearing the slogan "I come from the end of the earth" appeared almost immediately. Thu, 14 Mar 2013 13:13:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/argentina-celebrates-choice-of-cardinal-bergoglio-as-pope-francis-a-888838.html Germans went crazy went Joseph Ratzinger was chosen as pope in 2005. On Wednesday, it was Argentina's turn, with crowds gathering at a Buenos Aires cathedral and chanting in celebration. T-shirts bearing the slogan "I come from the end of the earth" appeared almost immediately.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-complicated-legacy-of-venezuelan-president-hugo-chavez-a-888049.html#ref=rss Hugo Chávez's supporters are relying on his cult of personality to hold on to power. In doing so, they are overlooking a different legacy he left behind in Venezuela: one of corruption and mismanagement. Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:06:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-complicated-legacy-of-venezuelan-president-hugo-chavez-a-888049.html Hugo Chávez's supporters are relying on his cult of personality to hold on to power. In doing so, they are overlooking a different legacy he left behind in Venezuela: one of corruption and mismanagement.]]> 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/german-commentators-ponder-a-post-chavez-venezuela-a-887408.html#ref=rss Venezuela is mourning the passing of President Hugo Chávez this week, but what does the future hold for the country? German commentators say it would do well to avoid another charismatic autocrat like Chávez. Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:48:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/german-commentators-ponder-a-post-chavez-venezuela-a-887408.html Venezuela is mourning the passing of President Hugo Chávez this week, but what does the future hold for the country? German commentators say it would do well to avoid another charismatic autocrat like Chávez.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/mixed-reactions-to-death-of-venezuelan-president-hugo-chavez-a-887211.html#ref=rss Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez was a controversial figure, inspiring hope among the country's working class but attracting criticism in the West for an allegedly dictatorial governing style. Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:32:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/mixed-reactions-to-death-of-venezuelan-president-hugo-chavez-a-887211.html Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez was a controversial figure, inspiring hope among the country's working class but attracting criticism in the West for an allegedly dictatorial governing style. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/chavez-death-marks-end-to-remarkable-career-in-venezuela-a-887136.html#ref=rss Hugo Chávez will be remembered for completely changing the face of both Venezuela and much of Latin America. For most of his rule, he almost always got what he wanted. But his methods were not universally welcome. His death on Tuesday marks the end of an era. Wed, 06 Mar 2013 10:34:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/chavez-death-marks-end-to-remarkable-career-in-venezuela-a-887136.html Hugo Chávez will be remembered for completely changing the face of both Venezuela and much of Latin America. For most of his rule, he almost always got what he wanted. But his methods were not universally welcome. His death on Tuesday marks the end of an era.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/global-support-grows-for-legalizing-drugs-a-884750.html#ref=rss The global war on drugs has cost billions and taken countless lives -- but achieved little. The scant results finally have politicians and experts joining calls for legalization. Following the journey of cocaine from a farm in Colombia to a user in Berlin sheds light on why. Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:14:11 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/global-support-grows-for-legalizing-drugs-a-884750.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/mexican-president-pena-nieto-on-fighting-crime-and-booming-economy-a-881752.html#ref=rss Enrique Peña Nieto took over as Mexico's president in December. In a SPIEGEL interview, he discusses his plans to fight poverty and drug violence and why Europe should take advantage of his country's economic boom. Wed, 06 Feb 2013 12:25:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/mexican-president-pena-nieto-on-fighting-crime-and-booming-economy-a-881752.html Enrique Peña Nieto took over as Mexico's president in December. In a SPIEGEL interview, he discusses his plans to fight poverty and drug violence and why Europe should take advantage of his country's economic boom.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/german-press-dubs-chavez-election-in-venezuela-free-but-not-fair-a-860291.html#ref=rss Opposition supporters in Venezuela were disappointed by the results of Sunday's elections, when President Hugo Chavez beat his opponent by a comfortable margin. German media concede Chavez was the clear winner, but warn his provocative populism is incapable of solving the country's problems. Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:10:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/german-press-dubs-chavez-election-in-venezuela-free-but-not-fair-a-860291.html Opposition supporters in Venezuela were disappointed by the results of Sunday's elections, when President Hugo Chavez beat his opponent by a comfortable margin. German media concede Chavez was the clear winner, but warn his provocative populism is incapable of solving the country's problems.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/good-governance-series-how-brazil-became-a-model-nation-a-843591.html#ref=rss In the first of four installments of a series on good governance, SPIEGEL explores how Brazil has become one of globalization's success stories. A rigorous battle against corruption and poverty has ushered in new freedoms, growth and increasing equality, winning the country respect around the world. Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:49:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/good-governance-series-how-brazil-became-a-model-nation-a-843591.html In the first of four installments of a series on good governance, SPIEGEL explores how Brazil has become one of globalization's success stories. A rigorous battle against corruption and poverty has ushered in new freedoms, growth and increasing equality, winning the country respect around the world.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-artist-agrees-to-give-sacred-kueka-stone-back-to-venezuela-a-842717.html#ref=rss Fifteen years ago, a German artist brought the Kueka Stone from Venezuela to Berlin for an art project on peace. But it has only bred discord. Now, he says he's willing to send the sacred stone back -- but only under certain conditions. Thu, 05 Jul 2012 13:38:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-artist-agrees-to-give-sacred-kueka-stone-back-to-venezuela-a-842717.html Fifteen years ago, a German artist brought the Kueka Stone from Venezuela to Berlin for an art project on peace. But it has only bred discord. Now, he says he's willing to send the sacred stone back -- but only under certain conditions.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/rousseff-s-gender-revolution-women-take-power-in-brazilian-government-a-809834.html#ref=rss Brazil's new president, Dilma Rousseff, has quickly stepped out of the shadow of her charismatic predecessor Lula. After one year in office, she is more popular than any former president was at this stage. She has surrounded herself with powerful women, who are now calling the shots in Brasília. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:15:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/rousseff-s-gender-revolution-women-take-power-in-brazilian-government-a-809834.html Brazil's new president, Dilma Rousseff, has quickly stepped out of the shadow of her charismatic predecessor Lula. After one year in office, she is more popular than any former president was at this stage. She has surrounded herself with powerful women, who are now calling the shots in Brasília.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/spiegel-interview-with-argentina-s-president-we-are-slowly-starting-to-enjoy-greater-trust-a-721216.html#ref=rss Argentina is the guest country at this year's Frankfurt Book Fair, which opens this week. In a SPIEGEL interview, Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, 57, discusses her country's path away from the military dictatorship of the 1970s, the economic crisis of 2002 and her country's relations with Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. Tue, 05 Oct 2010 16:06:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/spiegel-interview-with-argentina-s-president-we-are-slowly-starting-to-enjoy-greater-trust-a-721216.html Argentina is the guest country at this year's Frankfurt Book Fair, which opens this week. In a SPIEGEL interview, Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, 57, discusses her country's path away from the military dictatorship of the 1970s, the economic crisis of 2002 and her country's relations with Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/brazil-s-presidential-election-the-fight-for-lula-s-legacy-a-720713.html#ref=rss President Lula da Silva may still be incredibly popular in Brazil but he is not allowed to run for a third term. The candidates of the two big parties lack his charisma and may be given a run for their money by the Green Party's Marina Silva in Sunday's election. Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:38:15 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/brazil-s-presidential-election-the-fight-for-lula-s-legacy-a-720713.html President Lula da Silva may still be incredibly popular in Brazil but he is not allowed to run for a third term. The candidates of the two big parties lack his charisma and may be given a run for their money by the Green Party's Marina Silva in Sunday's election.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/iran-nuclear-deal-brazil-s-lula-vaults-into-big-league-of-world-diplomacy-a-696553.html#ref=rss Brimming with confidence, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio da Silva is raising his country's global status with increasing forays into international politics. In his most recent coup, he convinced Iran to agree to a controversial nuclear deal. Could it offer an opportunity to avoid both sanctions and war? Tue, 25 May 2010 17:01:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/iran-nuclear-deal-brazil-s-lula-vaults-into-big-league-of-world-diplomacy-a-696553.html Brimming with confidence, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio da Silva is raising his country's global status with increasing forays into international politics. In his most recent coup, he convinced Iran to agree to a controversial nuclear deal. Could it offer an opportunity to avoid both sanctions and war?]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/nuclear-proliferation-in-latin-america-is-brazil-developing-the-bomb-a-693336.html#ref=rss Brazil has signed the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, but experts suspect it may be working on a nuclear bomb. The country is allowed to legally enrich uranium for its nuclear submarines, but nobody knows what happens to the fuel once it is on restricted military bases. Fri, 07 May 2010 13:17:33 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/nuclear-proliferation-in-latin-america-is-brazil-developing-the-bomb-a-693336.html Brazil has signed the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, but experts suspect it may be working on a nuclear bomb. The country is allowed to legally enrich uranium for its nuclear submarines, but nobody knows what happens to the fuel once it is on restricted military bases.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/better-late-than-never-germany-looks-to-play-catch-up-in-south-america-a-682519.html#ref=rss While the rest of the world has been pursuing business opportunities in South America, Berlin has been sitting on its hands. Now, with Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle looking for a signature issue, that may change. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:12:42 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/better-late-than-never-germany-looks-to-play-catch-up-in-south-america-a-682519.html While the rest of the world has been pursuing business opportunities in South America, Berlin has been sitting on its hands. Now, with Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle looking for a signature issue, that may change.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/battling-drugs-in-the-americas-the-military-is-not-suited-to-pursue-criminals-a-676864.html#ref=rss Drug-related violence is once again on the rise in Latin America. Former Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso, 78, told SPIEGEL that the drug war has failed and that it is time to try a new strategy: decriminalization. Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:00:25 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/battling-drugs-in-the-americas-the-military-is-not-suited-to-pursue-criminals-a-676864.html Drug-related violence is once again on the rise in Latin America. Former Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso, 78, told SPIEGEL that the drug war has failed and that it is time to try a new strategy: decriminalization.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-failed-war-on-drugs-in-latin-america-could-decriminalization-be-the-answer-a-676861.html#ref=rss The massacre in Ciudad Juarez at the end of January made it clear that Mexico is losing the war on drugs. Narcotics-related violence is on the rise in other Latin American cities as well. An increasing number of voices are demanding that drugs be decriminalized. Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:04:08 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-failed-war-on-drugs-in-latin-america-could-decriminalization-be-the-answer-a-676861.html The massacre in Ciudad Juarez at the end of January made it clear that Mexico is losing the war on drugs. Narcotics-related violence is on the rise in other Latin American cities as well. An increasing number of voices are demanding that drugs be decriminalized.]]>