http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Tue, 21 May 2013 07:55:30 +0200 Tue, 21 May 2013 07:55:30 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-red-line-that-could-pull-obama-into-the-syrian-civil-war-essay-a-899332.html#ref=rss President Obama, usually cautious, has made bold statements on Syria and Iran, but by drawing red lines, he risks being backed into a corner. He could take a lesson from Teddy Roosevelt when it comes to foreign policy. Thu, 16 May 2013 15:24:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-red-line-that-could-pull-obama-into-the-syrian-civil-war-essay-a-899332.html President Obama, usually cautious, has made bold statements on Syria and Iran, but by drawing red lines, he risks being backed into a corner. He could take a lesson from Teddy Roosevelt when it comes to foreign policy.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-iranian-foreign-minister-salehi-on-syria-a-899315.html#ref=rss In a SPIEGEL interview, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi discusses the civil war in Syria, his government's "condemnation" of chemical weapons and his belief that Tehran is in a strong position to initiate negotiations for a settlement between the opposition and government in Damascus. Mon, 13 May 2013 13:44:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-iranian-foreign-minister-salehi-on-syria-a-899315.html In a SPIEGEL interview, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi discusses the civil war in Syria, his government's "condemnation" of chemical weapons and his belief that Tehran is in a strong position to initiate negotiations for a settlement between the opposition and government in Damascus.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/how-the-mossad-career-of-ben-zygier-ended-in-treason-a-890854.html#ref=rss Mossad agent Ben Zygier was found hanged in his cell and his case made headlines around the world. New information shows that Zygier, once a passionate Zionist, had become a turncoat who delivered sensitive information to Hezbollah. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i> Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:34:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/how-the-mossad-career-of-ben-zygier-ended-in-treason-a-890854.html Mossad agent Ben Zygier was found hanged in his cell and his case made headlines around the world. New information shows that Zygier, once a passionate Zionist, had become a turncoat who delivered sensitive information to Hezbollah. By SPIEGEL Staff ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/obama-visit-to-israel-not-a-boon-to-peace-process-say-commentators-a-890391.html#ref=rss In a speech to Israeli university students on Thursday, US President Barack Obama insisted that peace with the Palestinians is still possible. But German commentators note that brokering a peace deal still doesn't number among Obama's top priorities. Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:19:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/obama-visit-to-israel-not-a-boon-to-peace-process-say-commentators-a-890391.html In a speech to Israeli university students on Thursday, US President Barack Obama insisted that peace with the Palestinians is still possible. But German commentators note that brokering a peace deal still doesn't number among Obama's top priorities.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/kirkuk-thrives-despite-corruption-and-sectarian-violence-in-iraq-a-889611.html#ref=rss Ten years after the US invasion, Iraq is still plagued by sectarian violence, poverty and corruption. The northern city of Kirkuk, however, has defied predictions to emerge as a model of inter-ethnic reconciliation and relatively efficient government. Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:42:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/kirkuk-thrives-despite-corruption-and-sectarian-violence-in-iraq-a-889611.html Ten years after the US invasion, Iraq is still plagued by sectarian violence, poverty and corruption. The northern city of Kirkuk, however, has defied predictions to emerge as a model of inter-ethnic reconciliation and relatively efficient government. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/preserving-the-status-quo-obama-prepares-first-israel-trip-as-president-a-889685.html#ref=rss Little is likely to change as a result of US President Barack Obama's visit to the Holy Land this week. Israel and the US have grown accustomed to the status quo, even as the threat increases that the Israelis may push ahead with settlement building that could eliminate the possibility of a two-state solution. Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/preserving-the-status-quo-obama-prepares-first-israel-trip-as-president-a-889685.html Little is likely to change as a result of US President Barack Obama's visit to the Holy Land this week. Israel and the US have grown accustomed to the status quo, even as the threat increases that the Israelis may push ahead with settlement building that could eliminate the possibility of a two-state solution. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/foreign-policy-expert-vali-nasr-criticizes-us-retreat-from-middle-east-a-889552.html#ref=rss As the US deals with its economic troubles and pays increasing attention to Asia, its influence in the Middle East is declining. In a SPIEGEL interview, Vali Nasr, dean of the School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, says President Obama cannot neglect his country's vital role in the region. Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:16:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/foreign-policy-expert-vali-nasr-criticizes-us-retreat-from-middle-east-a-889552.html As the US deals with its economic troubles and pays increasing attention to Asia, its influence in the Middle East is declining. In a SPIEGEL interview, Vali Nasr, dean of the School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, says President Obama cannot neglect his country's vital role in the region.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/case-of-israel-agent-ben-zygier-shows-methods-of-israel-s-mossad-a-884141.html#ref=rss An Israeli agent commits suicide in his prison cell. Was he a traitor? The mysterious case of "Prisoner X," reported to be Australian-born Benjamin Zygier, provides an insight into the workings of the Mossad. Tue, 19 Feb 2013 15:08:04 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/case-of-israel-agent-ben-zygier-shows-methods-of-israel-s-mossad-a-884141.html An Israeli agent commits suicide in his prison cell. Was he a traitor? The mysterious case of "Prisoner X," reported to be Australian-born Benjamin Zygier, provides an insight into the workings of the Mossad.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-to-crack-down-on-products-from-israeli-settlements-a-882623.html#ref=rss Israeli settlers living in the Palestinian terroritories often deceptively give their products a "Made in Israel" label. The European Union wants to move soon to end the practice and appears to be set on a collision course with the country. Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:43:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-to-crack-down-on-products-from-israeli-settlements-a-882623.html Israeli settlers living in the Palestinian terroritories often deceptively give their products a "Made in Israel" label. The European Union wants to move soon to end the practice and appears to be set on a collision course with the country. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/killed-by-the-regime-aleppo-s-river-of-the-dead-a-881644.html#ref=rss Last week, dozens of corpses were found on the shore of the Quweiq River in Aleppo, Syria. Many appear to have been students at a nearby university who were murdered by the regime after traveling to the city for exams. Tue, 05 Feb 2013 17:16:32 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/killed-by-the-regime-aleppo-s-river-of-the-dead-a-881644.html Last week, dozens of corpses were found on the shore of the Quweiq River in Aleppo, Syria. Many appear to have been students at a nearby university who were murdered by the regime after traveling to the city for exams.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-fight-for-syria-has-engulfed-the-capital-damascus-a-881326.html#ref=rss Damascus has become one of the most intense battlefields in the fight for Syria, even as those loyal to President Bashar Assad insist that much of the capital remains under their control. Those who haven't left care only about survival. Mon, 04 Feb 2013 18:14:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-fight-for-syria-has-engulfed-the-capital-damascus-a-881326.html Damascus has become one of the most intense battlefields in the fight for Syria, even as those loyal to President Bashar Assad insist that much of the capital remains under their control. Those who haven't left care only about survival.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-plight-of-syrian-middle-class-refugees-a-880282.html#ref=rss They once were affluent, took vacations to Greece, purchased art and designer furniture. Now this Syrian family is on the run and forced to rely on charity. Their fate is typical of the exodus of the country's large middle class. Tue, 29 Jan 2013 18:21:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-plight-of-syrian-middle-class-refugees-a-880282.html They once were affluent, took vacations to Greece, purchased art and designer furniture. Now this Syrian family is on the run and forced to rely on charity. Their fate is typical of the exodus of the country's large middle class.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/egyptian-president-reportedly-not-as-conciliatory-to-israel-as-he-appears-a-880111.html#ref=rss Is Mohammed Morsi a peacebroker or a virulent anti-Semite? A former member of the Muslim Brotherhood, who has known Morsi for 13 years, believes that behind the Egyptian president's veneer of goodwill towards Israel lies a deep-seated hatred. Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:57:50 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/egyptian-president-reportedly-not-as-conciliatory-to-israel-as-he-appears-a-880111.html Is Mohammed Morsi a peacebroker or a virulent anti-Semite? A former member of the Muslim Brotherhood, who has known Morsi for 13 years, believes that behind the Egyptian president's veneer of goodwill towards Israel lies a deep-seated hatred.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/what-prime-minister-netanyahu-offers-israel-in-the-upcoming-elections-a-877586.html#ref=rss Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is popular because he doesn't want to change the status quo. Like the majority of Israelis, he's finished with compromising and fed-up with foreign criticism. But, if re-elected, he might be forced further to the right. Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:03:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/what-prime-minister-netanyahu-offers-israel-in-the-upcoming-elections-a-877586.html Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is popular because he doesn't want to change the status quo. Like the majority of Israelis, he's finished with compromising and fed-up with foreign criticism. But, if re-elected, he might be forced further to the right.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/dieter-graumann-and-jakob-augstein-debate-anti-semitism-controversy-a-877427.html#ref=rss Just how strongly are Germans allowed to criticize Israel? Accusations of anti-Semitism against SPIEGEL columnist Jakob Augstein have brought the question to the fore. He debates the issue with Dieter Graumann, the leader of Germany's Jewish community. Wed, 16 Jan 2013 13:31:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/dieter-graumann-and-jakob-augstein-debate-anti-semitism-controversy-a-877427.html Just how strongly are Germans allowed to criticize Israel? Accusations of anti-Semitism against SPIEGEL columnist Jakob Augstein have brought the question to the fore. He debates the issue with Dieter Graumann, the leader of Germany's Jewish community. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-debates-the-meaning-of-anti-semitism-a-877414.html#ref=rss How critical can one be of Israel? It is a question that Germany has been debating since SPIEGEL ONLINE columnist Jakob Augstein was included on the Simon Wiesenthal Center's list of the world's worst anti-Semites. Political leaders in Berlin have a different answer than Germans at large. Mon, 14 Jan 2013 17:45:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-debates-the-meaning-of-anti-semitism-a-877414.html How critical can one be of Israel? It is a question that Germany has been debating since SPIEGEL ONLINE columnist Jakob Augstein was included on the Simon Wiesenthal Center's list of the world's worst anti-Semites. Political leaders in Berlin have a different answer than Germans at large.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/why-israel-is-unlikely-to-abandon-its-settlements-anytime-soon-a-873641.html#ref=rss Israel is currently ignoring criticism from the West as it continues to pursue its settlement policies in the Palestinian Territories. It is also unlikely to reverse course anytime soon. Prospects for a two-state solution are getting dimmer. Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:51:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/why-israel-is-unlikely-to-abandon-its-settlements-anytime-soon-a-873641.html Israel is currently ignoring criticism from the West as it continues to pursue its settlement policies in the Palestinian Territories. It is also unlikely to reverse course anytime soon. Prospects for a two-state solution are getting dimmer. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/spiegel-interview-with-israeli-president-shimon-peres-on-peace-a-871911.html#ref=rss The United Nations has recognized a Palestinian state and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to prefer confrontation over negotiation. But in an interview with SPIEGEL, Israeli President Shimon Peres says that there is no alternative to re-starting peace talks, adding that it is time to forget the past. Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:44:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/spiegel-interview-with-israeli-president-shimon-peres-on-peace-a-871911.html The United Nations has recognized a Palestinian state and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to prefer confrontation over negotiation. But in an interview with SPIEGEL, Israeli President Shimon Peres says that there is no alternative to re-starting peace talks, adding that it is time to forget the past.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/merkel-and-netanyahu-pledge-friendship-in-berlin-despite-differences-a-871458.html#ref=rss Despite recent differences between Germany and Israel over settlement construction plans on the West Bank, Angela Merkel and Benjamin Netanyahu pledged friendship on Thursday in Berlin. They have, said the chancellor, agreed to disagree. Thu, 06 Dec 2012 17:47:44 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/merkel-and-netanyahu-pledge-friendship-in-berlin-despite-differences-a-871458.html Despite recent differences between Germany and Israel over settlement construction plans on the West Bank, Angela Merkel and Benjamin Netanyahu pledged friendship on Thursday in Berlin. They have, said the chancellor, agreed to disagree.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-commentators-blast-israel-for-settlement-building-plan-a-870924.html#ref=rss Europe is furious with Israel for its plan to build 3,000 new settler units to punish the Palestinians, following their elevation to "non-member observer status" in the UN last week. While sanctions appear not to be on the table, German commentators say it is time to get tough with Israeli premier Netanyahu. Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:25:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-commentators-blast-israel-for-settlement-building-plan-a-870924.html Europe is furious with Israel for its plan to build 3,000 new settler units to punish the Palestinians, following their elevation to "non-member observer status" in the UN last week. While sanctions appear not to be on the table, German commentators say it is time to get tough with Israeli premier Netanyahu.]]>