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 22:59:23 +0200 Mon, 20 May 2013 22:59:23 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/foreign-tourists-flock-to-border-between-north-and-south-korea-a-893846.html#ref=rss The tour buses on the border between North and South Korea are full, as adventure-seekers visit what is billed as one of the most dangerous borders in the world. The current political tensions, it seems, have done little to scare away foreign tourists. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:17:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/foreign-tourists-flock-to-border-between-north-and-south-korea-a-893846.html The tour buses on the border between North and South Korea are full, as adventure-seekers visit what is billed as one of the most dangerous borders in the world. The current political tensions, it seems, have done little to scare away foreign tourists.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-commentary-on-decision-in-north-korea-to-restart-nuclear-plant-a-892031.html#ref=rss In addition to multiple threats made against South Korea and the United States in recent days, Pyongyang said Tuesday it plans to restart a controversial nuclear reactor. The German media believe dictator Kim Jong Un is seeking to establish a stronger negotiating position for disarmament talks. Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:06:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-commentary-on-decision-in-north-korea-to-restart-nuclear-plant-a-892031.html In addition to multiple threats made against South Korea and the United States in recent days, Pyongyang said Tuesday it plans to restart a controversial nuclear reactor. The German media believe dictator Kim Jong Un is seeking to establish a stronger negotiating position for disarmament talks.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/north-korea-responds-to-new-un-sanctions-with-nuclear-threats-a-887753.html#ref=rss North Korea has responded to fresh UN sanctions by threatening to attack the US and escalate tensions with the South. But experts believe that the aggressive rhetoric has also been sparked by changing regional dynamics and hopes of rallying the people around their new leader. Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:18:31 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/north-korea-responds-to-new-un-sanctions-with-nuclear-threats-a-887753.html North Korea has responded to fresh UN sanctions by threatening to attack the US and escalate tensions with the South. But experts believe that the aggressive rhetoric has also been sparked by changing regional dynamics and hopes of rallying the people around their new leader.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-commentators-call-on-china-to-pressure-north-korea-a-883145.html#ref=rss North Korea's nuclear test has been widely condemned by international leaders, who are calling for tough action against the country. But German commentators say past strategies have failed and it's time for China to step up to the challenge. Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:39:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-commentators-call-on-china-to-pressure-north-korea-a-883145.html North Korea's nuclear test has been widely condemned by international leaders, who are calling for tough action against the country. But German commentators say past strategies have failed and it's time for China to step up to the challenge.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/sam-nunn-discusses-the-nuclear-threat-in-north-korea-and-iran-a-883087.html#ref=rss North Korea has become a nuclear power, Iran is close and Pakistan and India already have the bomb. Is it just a question of time before they get used? In an interview, disarmament advocate Sam Nunn explains how the worst can still be prevented. Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:32:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/sam-nunn-discusses-the-nuclear-threat-in-north-korea-and-iran-a-883087.html North Korea has become a nuclear power, Iran is close and Pakistan and India already have the bomb. Is it just a question of time before they get used? In an interview, disarmament advocate Sam Nunn explains how the worst can still be prevented. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/nuclear-test-in-north-korea-solicits-angry-responses-in-europe-and-us-a-882909.html#ref=rss With his nuclear test on Tuesday, North Korea's Kim Jong Un has shown that he is likely to continue his country's policy of force and deterrance over reconciliation with the international community. China has criticized the detonation, but its support for Pyongyang is unlikely to evaporate. Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:02:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/nuclear-test-in-north-korea-solicits-angry-responses-in-europe-and-us-a-882909.html With his nuclear test on Tuesday, North Korea's Kim Jong Un has shown that he is likely to continue his country's policy of force and deterrance over reconciliation with the international community. China has criticized the detonation, but its support for Pyongyang is unlikely to evaporate. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/north-korean-rocket-launch-shows-dearth-of-information-a-872490.html#ref=rss North Korea's long-range rocket launch on Wednesday is a reminder of the dearth of reliable information available about the secretive country. It also serves as a warning to the West to keep close watch on government changeovers underway in the Far East -- a region every bit as important to Western interests as the Middle East. Wed, 12 Dec 2012 16:03:06 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/north-korean-rocket-launch-shows-dearth-of-information-a-872490.html North Korea's long-range rocket launch on Wednesday is a reminder of the dearth of reliable information available about the secretive country. It also serves as a warning to the West to keep close watch on government changeovers underway in the Far East -- a region every bit as important to Western interests as the Middle East. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/energy-from-the-bomb-russia-to-produce-electricity-with-former-nukes-a-854318.html#ref=rss Russia is planning to destroy plutonium used in thousands of soon to be decommissioned nuclear warheads by using it as fuel in a special new atomic power plant. The reactor is set to begin operating in one year, but time pressures and a vulnerable cooling system make the project a risky one. Fri, 07 Sep 2012 18:25:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/energy-from-the-bomb-russia-to-produce-electricity-with-former-nukes-a-854318.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-press-supports-sale-of-submarines-to-israel-a-837093.html#ref=rss Opposition parties in Germany are demanding answers about the sale of nuclear-capable submarines to Israel, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the vessels are "very important" for his country's security. Media commentators argue that Germany has a historical duty to support the Jewish state. Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:50:37 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-press-supports-sale-of-submarines-to-israel-a-837093.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/israel-deploys-nuclear-weapons-on-german-built-submarines-a-836784.html#ref=rss Many have wondered for years about the exact capabilities of the submarines Germany exports to Israel. Now, experts in Germany and Israel have confirmed that nuclear-tipped missiles have been deployed on the vessels. And the German government has long known about it. <i>By SPIEGEL</i> Mon, 04 Jun 2012 18:11:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/israel-deploys-nuclear-weapons-on-german-built-submarines-a-836784.html Many have wondered for years about the exact capabilities of the submarines Germany exports to Israel. Now, experts in Germany and Israel have confirmed that nuclear-tipped missiles have been deployed on the vessels. And the German government has long known about it. By SPIEGEL ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/israel-deploys-nuclear-weapons-on-german-submarines-a-836671.html#ref=rss A German shipyard has already built three submarines for Israel, and three more are planned. Now SPIEGEL has learned that Israel is arming the submarines with nuclear-tipped cruise missiles. The German government has known about Israel's nuclear weapons program for decades, despite its official denials. Sun, 03 Jun 2012 10:12:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/israel-deploys-nuclear-weapons-on-german-submarines-a-836671.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/upgrading-us-nuclear-weapons-more-expensive-than-planned-a-833586.html#ref=rss The cost of modernizing US nuclear weapons, including those stationed in Germany, has risen sharply, according to estimates. Several independent experts told SPIEGEL ONLINE that the bill for renewing the B61 atomic bomb will rise to $6 billion. The project will also upset Russia, they say. Wed, 16 May 2012 17:58:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/upgrading-us-nuclear-weapons-more-expensive-than-planned-a-833586.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/tense-relationship-between-the-us-and-pakistan-since-bin-laden-death-a-832291.html#ref=rss Washington and Islamabad have barely been on speaking terms since US forces killed Osama bin Laden last year. But with American and NATO troops set to leave neighboring Afghanistan soon, nuclear-armed Pakistan has little motivation to improve relations. Hatred of the US is growing in the country. Thu, 10 May 2012 17:59:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/tense-relationship-between-the-us-and-pakistan-since-bin-laden-death-a-832291.html Washington and Islamabad have barely been on speaking terms since US forces killed Osama bin Laden last year. But with American and NATO troops set to leave neighboring Afghanistan soon, nuclear-armed Pakistan has little motivation to improve relations. Hatred of the US is growing in the country.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/alistair-burt-writes-about-the-nuclear-non-proliferation-treaty-a-830646.html#ref=rss Conflict over Iran's nuclear program, rocket launches in North Korea and the Fukushima disaster: atomic weapons and energy remain risk factors. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is the best instrument for keeping these dangers in check, but it must be adjusted to suit new challenges. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:38:29 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/alistair-burt-writes-about-the-nuclear-non-proliferation-treaty-a-830646.html Conflict over Iran's nuclear program, rocket launches in North Korea and the Fukushima disaster: atomic weapons and energy remain risk factors. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is the best instrument for keeping these dangers in check, but it must be adjusted to suit new challenges.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-press-review-on-india-s-ballistic-missile-test-a-828744.html#ref=rss India added itself to the short list of nuclear-armed countries with ballistic missile capability on Thursday. More importantly, though, the country's successful test marks a new chapter in the developing Asian arms race. German commentators express deep concern on Friday. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:19:49 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-press-review-on-india-s-ballistic-missile-test-a-828744.html India added itself to the short list of nuclear-armed countries with ballistic missile capability on Thursday. More importantly, though, the country's successful test marks a new chapter in the developing Asian arms race. German commentators express deep concern on Friday.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/world-powers-to-pursue-selfish-interests-at-iran-nuclear-talks-in-istanbul-a-827385.html#ref=rss Is a new war on the horizon in the Middle East? This weekend the international community will undertake diplomatic efforts to convince Iran to back down in its pursuit of nuclear weapons. A speedy agreement remains unlikely because the biggest world powers are focused on one thing -- their own interests. <i>By SPIEGEL ONLINE Staff.</i> Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:00:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/world-powers-to-pursue-selfish-interests-at-iran-nuclear-talks-in-istanbul-a-827385.html Is a new war on the horizon in the Middle East? This weekend the international community will undertake diplomatic efforts to convince Iran to back down in its pursuit of nuclear weapons. A speedy agreement remains unlikely because the biggest world powers are focused on one thing -- their own interests. By SPIEGEL ONLINE Staff. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/nuclear-conflict-eu-announces-resumption-of-talks-with-iran-a-819711.html#ref=rss European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton announced on Tuesday that the international community had agreed to resume talks with Iran on the country's controversial nuclear program. Tehran has even offered to open up one suspicious site to inspectors. Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:43:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/nuclear-conflict-eu-announces-resumption-of-talks-with-iran-a-819711.html European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton announced on Tuesday that the international community had agreed to resume talks with Iran on the country's controversial nuclear program. Tehran has even offered to open up one suspicious site to inspectors.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-iranian-regime-will-make-no-concessions-a-817149.html#ref=rss Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency had been hoping to be allowed access to a suspicious facility southeast of Tehran, but the visit was pronounced a failure. German editorialists nevertheless argue that, despite Iranian obstinancy, negotiations remain the best option available. Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:02:28 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-iranian-regime-will-make-no-concessions-a-817149.html Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency had been hoping to be allowed access to a suspicious facility southeast of Tehran, but the visit was pronounced a failure. German editorialists nevertheless argue that, despite Iranian obstinancy, negotiations remain the best option available.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/what-iranian-elites-think-an-inside-look-at-views-of-the-west-a-816867.html#ref=rss Israeli hawks are threatening a military strike in order to stop Iran's nuclear program and many Republican presidential candidates in the US also support action. A loose survey of students and academics in Tehran shows that even among opponents of President Ahmadinejad, anti-Western sentiment is strong. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:13:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/what-iranian-elites-think-an-inside-look-at-views-of-the-west-a-816867.html Israeli hawks are threatening a military strike in order to stop Iran's nuclear program and many Republican presidential candidates in the US also support action. A loose survey of students and academics in Tehran shows that even among opponents of President Ahmadinejad, anti-Western sentiment is strong.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-the-iran-conlict-is-intensifying-step-by-step-a-815679.html#ref=rss Taken together, the myriad developments are baffling. Iran says it has made advances in nuclear research, but wants to resume talks with the West. It is threatening to cut off oil supplies to Europe while allegedly sponsoring attacks against Israeli diplomats. German editorialists attempt to make sense of the confusion. Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:18:35 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-the-iran-conlict-is-intensifying-step-by-step-a-815679.html Taken together, the myriad developments are baffling. Iran says it has made advances in nuclear research, but wants to resume talks with the West. It is threatening to cut off oil supplies to Europe while allegedly sponsoring attacks against Israeli diplomats. German editorialists attempt to make sense of the confusion.]]>