http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Thu, 20 Jun 2013 05:00:48 +0200 Thu, 20 Jun 2013 05:00:48 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-amadou-sanogo-a-890944.html#ref=rss Many believe that Mali's de facto leader Amadou Sanogo thrust the country into a deep crisis when he staged a coup a year ago. But that's not how he sees it. In a SPIEGEL interview he says he helped a sick, old regime die, ushering in a new beginning. Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:12:30 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-amadou-sanogo-a-890944.html Many believe that Mali's de facto leader Amadou Sanogo thrust the country into a deep crisis when he staged a coup a year ago. But that's not how he sees it. In a SPIEGEL interview he says he helped a sick, old regime die, ushering in a new beginning.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/majority-of-timbuktu-manuscripts-were-smuggled-to-safety-a-885408.html#ref=rss More than 80 percent of Timbuktu's priceless manuscripts were smuggled out of the ancient city before Islamists began to attack its cultural heritage, SPIEGEL has learned. Many were driven by car to the Malian capital of Bamako. Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:10:02 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/majority-of-timbuktu-manuscripts-were-smuggled-to-safety-a-885408.html More than 80 percent of Timbuktu's priceless manuscripts were smuggled out of the ancient city before Islamists began to attack its cultural heritage, SPIEGEL has learned. Many were driven by car to the Malian capital of Bamako.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a-city-of-fear-a-visit-to-timbuktu-after-its-liberation-by-french-troops-a-882469.html#ref=rss The French have successfully liberated Timbuktu, but they also intend to withdraw soon. Locals are now sharing their stories about the period of brutal Islamist control, but also their worries that the reign of terror could soon return. Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:44:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a-city-of-fear-a-visit-to-timbuktu-after-its-liberation-by-french-troops-a-882469.html The French have successfully liberated Timbuktu, but they also intend to withdraw soon. Locals are now sharing their stories about the period of brutal Islamist control, but also their worries that the reign of terror could soon return. ]]> 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/sport/fussball/afrika-cup-mali-a-879243.html#ref=rss Fußball in Zeiten des Krieges: Die Nationalmannschaft von Mali steht beim Afrika-Cup unter besonderem Druck. Eigentlich sind die Spieler mit den Gedanken bei ihren Familien daheim. Aber verlieren ist verboten. Denn das ganze Land erwartet von seinen Helden den Titel. Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:44:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/sport/fussball/afrika-cup-mali-a-879243.html Fußball in Zeiten des Krieges: Die Nationalmannschaft von Mali steht beim Afrika-Cup unter besonderem Druck. Eigentlich sind die Spieler mit den Gedanken bei ihren Familien daheim. Aber verlieren ist verboten. Denn das ganze Land erwartet von seinen Helden den Titel.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/town-of-konna-was-briefly-on-front-lines-of-mali-conflict-a-880055.html#ref=rss In mid-January, the strategic town of Konna in central Mali was on the front line of the conflict. First it was occupied by Islamist insurgents advancing towards the capital, then it was bombarded by a French air assault. The locals were caught in the crossfire. Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:26:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/town-of-konna-was-briefly-on-front-lines-of-mali-conflict-a-880055.html In mid-January, the strategic town of Konna in central Mali was on the front line of the conflict. First it was occupied by Islamist insurgents advancing towards the capital, then it was bombarded by a French air assault. The locals were caught in the crossfire.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/al-qaida-plant-offenbar-entfuehrung-von-deutschen-in-libyen-a-879889.html#ref=rss Der Ableger von al-Qaida im Maghreb plant offenbar die Entführung von Deutschen in Libyen. Nach SPIEGEL-Informationen hat der BND Kenntnis davon, dass die Terroristen in der Region um Bengasi gezielte Überfälle vorbereiten. Sun, 27 Jan 2013 17:33:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/al-qaida-plant-offenbar-entfuehrung-von-deutschen-in-libyen-a-879889.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-approach-to-crisis-regions-frustrates-allies-a-878717.html#ref=rss German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle is intent on keeping his country out of military operations in Mali. But his insistence on playing the role of peacemaker is increasingly frustrating Berlin's allies. Many in Berlin are likewise unimpressed. Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:16:19 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-approach-to-crisis-regions-frustrates-allies-a-878717.html German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle is intent on keeping his country out of military operations in Mali. But his insistence on playing the role of peacemaker is increasingly frustrating Berlin's allies. Many in Berlin are likewise unimpressed.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/leader-of-malian-islamists-once-helped-german-government-a-878724.html#ref=rss The man at the center of the fight against Islamists in northern Mali has an unexpected history with Germany. In 2003 he was crucial in facilitating a ransom payment to secure the release of German tourists held hostage in Algeria. Mon, 21 Jan 2013 18:11:26 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/leader-of-malian-islamists-once-helped-german-government-a-878724.html The man at the center of the fight against Islamists in northern Mali has an unexpected history with Germany. In 2003 he was crucial in facilitating a ransom payment to secure the release of German tourists held hostage in Algeria. ]]> 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/french-mission-in-mali-puts-germany-in-a-tight-spot-a-878187.html#ref=rss Germany is eager to prove it is a reliable ally, particularly after it snubbed France and stayed out of Libya. Wary of getting pulled into the violence in Mali, it has instead offered two planes to transport troops. Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:09:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/french-mission-in-mali-puts-germany-in-a-tight-spot-a-878187.html 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/germany-offers-support-to-france-in-mali-as-commentators-warn-of-risk-a-877401.html#ref=rss The German government on Monday unexpectedly offered Paris concrete support as French troops battle Islamist extremists in Mali. Though ruling out a combat role, Germany's military will provide transport and medical assistance. Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:19:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/germany-offers-support-to-france-in-mali-as-commentators-warn-of-risk-a-877401.html The German government on Monday unexpectedly offered Paris concrete support as French troops battle Islamist extremists in Mali. Though ruling out a combat role, Germany's military will provide transport and medical assistance. ]]> 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/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/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?]]>