http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Wed, 22 May 2013 05:25:23 +0200 Wed, 22 May 2013 05:25:23 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif 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/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/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/netanyahu-airs-complaints-ahead-of-visit-to-berlin-a-871199.html#ref=rss Germany's abstention in the recent UN vote to recognize a Palestinian state, along with Israel's reaction of announcing new settlement construction, have chilled relations between the traditional allies. Ahead of a visit to Berlin, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu even said that he is "disappointed" in Chancellor Merkel. Wed, 05 Dec 2012 17:38:56 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/netanyahu-airs-complaints-ahead-of-visit-to-berlin-a-871199.html Germany's abstention in the recent UN vote to recognize a Palestinian state, along with Israel's reaction of announcing new settlement construction, have chilled relations between the traditional allies. Ahead of a visit to Berlin, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu even said that he is "disappointed" in Chancellor Merkel.]]> 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-abstention-in-un-palestine-vote-strains-ties-with-israel-a-870606.html#ref=rss Berlin has distanced itself from Israel with the decision to abstain from voting on enhancing the Palestinians' status in the UN General Assembly. Israel had expected a clear "no" vote, but Chancellor Angela Merkel balked at Prime Minister Netanyahu's uncompromising approach to the peace process. Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:46:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-abstention-in-un-palestine-vote-strains-ties-with-israel-a-870606.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/protest-at-israeli-s-plan-to-build-3-000-new-homes-in-west-bank-a-870685.html#ref=rss Israel's plan to expand settlement construction has drawn fierce international criticism, with Britain and France considering the withdrawal of their ambassadors and Germany expressing serious concern. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the plan could deal an "almost fatal blow" to solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:25:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/protest-at-israeli-s-plan-to-build-3-000-new-homes-in-west-bank-a-870685.html Israel's plan to expand settlement construction has drawn fierce international criticism, with Britain and France considering the withdrawal of their ambassadors and Germany expressing serious concern. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the plan could deal an "almost fatal blow" to solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/palestinians-granted-non-member-observer-status-at-united-nations-a-870150.html#ref=rss Both Israel and the US were adamantly opposed, but the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday granted the Palestinians non-member observer status, essentially an official recognition of a Palestinian state. The European Union was unable to find a common line, and Germany abstained as expected. Fri, 30 Nov 2012 10:00:08 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/palestinians-granted-non-member-observer-status-at-united-nations-a-870150.html Both Israel and the US were adamantly opposed, but the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday granted the Palestinians non-member observer status, essentially an official recognition of a Palestinian state. The European Union was unable to find a common line, and Germany abstained as expected.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/berlin-to-abstain-on-vote-to-recognize-palestinian-state-a-870002.html#ref=rss Ahead of the United Nations vote that is set to recognize a Palestinian state, Germany has announced it will abstain. The move reveals Berlin's complicated foreign policy loyalties on the issue -- and once again reveals Europe's inability to reach consensus on a key foreign policy issue. Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:54:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/berlin-to-abstain-on-vote-to-recognize-palestinian-state-a-870002.html Ahead of the United Nations vote that is set to recognize a Palestinian state, Germany has announced it will abstain. The move reveals Berlin's complicated foreign policy loyalties on the issue -- and once again reveals Europe's inability to reach consensus on a key foreign policy issue.]]> 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/luxembourg-foreign-minister-asselborn-on-israeli-settlements-a-866681.html#ref=rss Israeli settlement construction is a hindrance to peace with the Palestinians, Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn argues in an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE. Building must be suspended before negotiations can begin, he says. He also believes the UN should provide the Palestinians with observer status. Mon, 12 Nov 2012 12:57:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/luxembourg-foreign-minister-asselborn-on-israeli-settlements-a-866681.html Israeli settlement construction is a hindrance to peace with the Palestinians, Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn argues in an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE. Building must be suspended before negotiations can begin, he says. He also believes the UN should provide the Palestinians with observer status. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/eu-activists-demand-an-end-to-imports-from-israeli-settlements-a-864355.html#ref=rss Officially, the European Union views Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories as illegal. But that hasn't stopped the EU from doing booming trade with the outposts. Now a group of European NGOs has banded together to demand an end to the practice. Tue, 30 Oct 2012 18:11:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/eu-activists-demand-an-end-to-imports-from-israeli-settlements-a-864355.html Officially, the European Union views Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories as illegal. But that hasn't stopped the EU from doing booming trade with the outposts. Now a group of European NGOs has banded together to demand an end to the practice.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/widow-suspects-yasser-arafat-was-murdered-a-853529.html#ref=rss The mysterious circumstances of Yasser Arafat's death are now the subject of a criminal investigation in France. But if it is true that the Palestinian leader was poisoned, then who might have been behind his killing? Mon, 03 Sep 2012 15:18:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/widow-suspects-yasser-arafat-was-murdered-a-853529.html The mysterious circumstances of Yasser Arafat's death are now the subject of a criminal investigation in France. But if it is true that the Palestinian leader was poisoned, then who might have been behind his killing?]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/european-right-wing-seeking-alternative-to-two-state-solution-a-842984.html#ref=rss Right-wing populists are not widely known for pursuing peace in Europe. But in the Middle East, they are seeking to change that reputation. A conference right-wing politicians helped organize between Palestinian clan leaders and Jewish settlers took place on Thursday in Hebron. They are billing it as an alternative path to peace in the region. Fri, 06 Jul 2012 17:47:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/european-right-wing-seeking-alternative-to-two-state-solution-a-842984.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/spiegel-interview-with-daniel-barenboim-a-840129.html#ref=rss World-famous Argentine-Israeli conductor Daniel Barenboim is noted for his strong views on the Middle East peace process and for performing Wagner's music in Israel. In a SPIEGEL interview, he explains why the Israeli antipathy toward Wagner is grotesque and argues that Israel shouldn't depend too much on Germany and the US for support. Fri, 22 Jun 2012 17:31:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/spiegel-interview-with-daniel-barenboim-a-840129.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/dutchman-writes-first-hiking-guide-to-west-bank-a-826679.html#ref=rss Jerusalem-based diplomat Stefan Szepesi discovered a love of hiking when he set out to explore the West Bank on foot, much to the confusion of the local Palestinians. He has now written the first walking guide to the region, which is the perfect place for hiking -- provided you steer clear of the military facilities and settlements. Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:11:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/dutchman-writes-first-hiking-guide-to-west-bank-a-826679.html Jerusalem-based diplomat Stefan Szepesi discovered a love of hiking when he set out to explore the West Bank on foot, much to the confusion of the local Palestinians. He has now written the first walking guide to the region, which is the perfect place for hiking -- provided you steer clear of the military facilities and settlements.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/israel-skeptical-of-the-regime-changes-in-the-arab-world-a-825510.html#ref=rss For decades, Israel had been hoping for change in the Arab world. Yet now that the region is in upheaval, its not just Israeli citizens who are concerned. The government has shown a preference for walling itself in rather than exploring new opportunities. Fri, 06 Apr 2012 10:29:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/israel-skeptical-of-the-regime-changes-in-the-arab-world-a-825510.html For decades, Israel had been hoping for change in the Arab world. Yet now that the region is in upheaval, its not just Israeli citizens who are concerned. The government has shown a preference for walling itself in rather than exploring new opportunities.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/berlin-split-on-middle-east-peace-policies-a-823679.html#ref=rss Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle are at odds over Middle East policy. While Merkel avoids opposing Israel on big issues, Westerwelle would like to show the Palestinians more support. The conflict threatens to jeopardize Germany's reputation as a credible partner in the region. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:06:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/berlin-split-on-middle-east-peace-policies-a-823679.html Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle are at odds over Middle East policy. While Merkel avoids opposing Israel on big issues, Westerwelle would like to show the Palestinians more support. The conflict threatens to jeopardize Germany's reputation as a credible partner in the region.]]> 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.]]>