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 16:25:01 +0200 Mon, 20 May 2013 16:25:01 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/german-press-review-on-turkish-bombing-link-to-syria-a-899501.html#ref=rss A deadly double bombing in Turkey on Saturday has increased fears that Syria's civil war is spilling over into neighboring countries. It's time for the West to reach a common approach to the conflict, German media commentators say. Mon, 13 May 2013 14:57:38 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/german-press-review-on-turkish-bombing-link-to-syria-a-899501.html A deadly double bombing in Turkey on Saturday has increased fears that Syria's civil war is spilling over into neighboring countries. It's time for the West to reach a common approach to the conflict, German media commentators say.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/putin-uses-patriotism-to-strengthen-hold-on-russia-a-898170.html#ref=rss Exactly one year ago, Vladimir Putin returned to the Kremlin following a brief hiatus. Since then, he has markedly reduced protest freedoms, undermined the judiciary and presented himself as a patriotic man of the people. He wants to free himself of his party and parliament. Mon, 06 May 2013 18:05:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/putin-uses-patriotism-to-strengthen-hold-on-russia-a-898170.html Exactly one year ago, Vladimir Putin returned to the Kremlin following a brief hiatus. Since then, he has markedly reduced protest freedoms, undermined the judiciary and presented himself as a patriotic man of the people. He wants to free himself of his party and parliament.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/kremlin-targets-russian-facebook-clone-vkontakte-a-897487.html#ref=rss Russia's successful Facebook clone VKontakte has long been a thorn in the Kremlin's side. Now, Moscow appears to be increasing pressure on the company, and CEO Pavel Durov has left the country. Thu, 02 May 2013 11:32:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/kremlin-targets-russian-facebook-clone-vkontakte-a-897487.html Russia's successful Facebook clone VKontakte has long been a thorn in the Kremlin's side. Now, Moscow appears to be increasing pressure on the company, and CEO Pavel Durov has left the country. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/moscow-may-order-release-of-imprisoned-russian-oligarch-khodorkovsky-a-895760.html#ref=rss Mikhail Khodorkovsky, once Russia's richest man and Putin's strongest adversary, could soon be released from prison. Can the polarizing oil tycoon reinvigorate a beleagered opposition? Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:59:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/moscow-may-order-release-of-imprisoned-russian-oligarch-khodorkovsky-a-895760.html Mikhail Khodorkovsky, once Russia's richest man and Putin's strongest adversary, could soon be released from prison. Can the polarizing oil tycoon reinvigorate a beleagered opposition?]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/russian-opposition-blogger-on-trial-in-russia-a-894891.html#ref=rss Blogger Alexei Navalny, a leading figure in Russia's opposition movement, helped to deprive President Vladimir Putin's party of its two-thirds majority in the 2011 parliamentary election. Now he's on trial for embezzlement, and even investigators aren't hiding the fact that the case is politically motivated. Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:33:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/russian-opposition-blogger-on-trial-in-russia-a-894891.html Blogger Alexei Navalny, a leading figure in Russia's opposition movement, helped to deprive President Vladimir Putin's party of its two-thirds majority in the 2011 parliamentary election. Now he's on trial for embezzlement, and even investigators aren't hiding the fact that the case is politically motivated.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-relations-with-russia-deteriorate-amid-pressure-from-moscow-a-894386.html#ref=rss Germany has fallen out of favor with the Kremlin, which has ramped up pressure on German institutions in Russia. But while Chancellor Angela Merkel disapproves of President Vladimir Putin's authoritarian presidency, she has no desire to burn bridges with the country. Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:19:56 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-relations-with-russia-deteriorate-amid-pressure-from-moscow-a-894386.html Germany has fallen out of favor with the Kremlin, which has ramped up pressure on German institutions in Russia. But while Chancellor Angela Merkel disapproves of President Vladimir Putin's authoritarian presidency, she has no desire to burn bridges with the country.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/putin-visibly-amused-by-topless-femen-protest-in-germany-a-893128.html#ref=rss Topless protesters caused a scene on Monday when they confronted Vladimir Putin during a state visit to Germany. The Russian president appeared unperturbed by the criticism, smiling and even giving two thumbs up to the bare-breasted activists, who accused him of being a dictator. Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:18:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/putin-visibly-amused-by-topless-femen-protest-in-germany-a-893128.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-investors-discouraged-by-corruption-in-russia-a-892043.html#ref=rss Russian President Vladimir Putin is proud of how well his country is performing economically. But corrupt officials and powerful oligarchs are hampering the country's development. For German companies, the Russian market is as treacherous as it is enticing. Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:53:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-investors-discouraged-by-corruption-in-russia-a-892043.html Russian President Vladimir Putin is proud of how well his country is performing economically. But corrupt officials and powerful oligarchs are hampering the country's development. For German companies, the Russian market is as treacherous as it is enticing.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/corrupt-russian-politician-in-putin-party-murdered-a-891055.html#ref=rss A corrupt rising star in Putin's ruling party was recently found dead in a cement-filled barrel. His murder reveals the murky cross-section of politics, business and crime that characterizes today's Russia. Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:04:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/corrupt-russian-politician-in-putin-party-murdered-a-891055.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/russian-ngo-raids-a-sign-of-growing-authoritarianism-say-commentators-a-891248.html#ref=rss Russia continued its series of raids on non-governmental organizations on Wednesday with visits to Human Rights Watch and Transparency International. The operation, say German commentators, is just the latest sign that Russian civil society is eroding and President Putin is turning into a dictator. Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:43:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/russian-ngo-raids-a-sign-of-growing-authoritarianism-say-commentators-a-891248.html Russia continued its series of raids on non-governmental organizations on Wednesday with visits to Human Rights Watch and Transparency International. The operation, say German commentators, is just the latest sign that Russian civil society is eroding and President Putin is turning into a dictator.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-press-reaction-to-cyprus-bailout-a-891018.html#ref=rss With Cyprus racing to install capital controls before re-opening its banks on Thursday, German media commentators say the island has only itself to blame for its plight. They also warn though that the tough bailout terms are a fresh sign of waning solidarity among euro-zone member states. Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:09:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-press-reaction-to-cyprus-bailout-a-891018.html With Cyprus racing to install capital controls before re-opening its banks on Thursday, German media commentators say the island has only itself to blame for its plight. They also warn though that the tough bailout terms are a fresh sign of waning solidarity among euro-zone member states. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/russian-authorities-raid-german-foundations-and-ngos-a-890969.html#ref=rss Russian authorities have targeted German non-profit organizations as part of a crackdown on "foreign agents." Officials are not happy, with Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle's office saying that interfering in their work could create "a sustained effect on bilateral relations." Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:10:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/russian-authorities-raid-german-foundations-and-ngos-a-890969.html Russian authorities have targeted German non-profit organizations as part of a crackdown on "foreign agents." Officials are not happy, with Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle's office saying that interfering in their work could create "a sustained effect on bilateral relations."]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/russia-criticizes-eu-over-cyprus-bailout-terms-a-890860.html#ref=rss Russia has sharply criticized the bailout deal for Cyprus, with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev accusing the EU of theft. Russian state television even likened the forced levy imposed on wealthy investors -- many of them Russian -- to the expropriation of Jews by Nazi Germany. Mon, 25 Mar 2013 17:51:27 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/russia-criticizes-eu-over-cyprus-bailout-terms-a-890860.html Russia has sharply criticized the bailout deal for Cyprus, with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev accusing the EU of theft. Russian state television even likened the forced levy imposed on wealthy investors -- many of them Russian -- to the expropriation of Jews by Nazi Germany. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/departing-goldman-sachs-exec-still-sees-bright-future-for-bric-nations-a-890194.html#ref=rss Jim O'Neill, who coined the acronymn BRIC for emerging nations, plans to leave his post at Goldman Sachs this year. In an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE, he discusses the banking industry and why he still sees a bright future for China and Russia. Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:50:27 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/departing-goldman-sachs-exec-still-sees-bright-future-for-bric-nations-a-890194.html Jim O'Neill, who coined the acronymn BRIC for emerging nations, plans to leave his post at Goldman Sachs this year. In an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE, he discusses the banking industry and why he still sees a bright future for China and Russia. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/russia-likely-to-exploit-its-interest-in-providing-aid-to-cyprus-a-889964.html#ref=rss Cyprus on Tuesday rejected the terms of a bailout package offered by Brussels and is now turning to Moscow for help. Russian President Vladimir Putin may charge a very high price in exchange for aid for the nearly bankrupt euro-zone country. Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:20:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/russia-likely-to-exploit-its-interest-in-providing-aid-to-cyprus-a-889964.html Cyprus on Tuesday rejected the terms of a bailout package offered by Brussels and is now turning to Moscow for help. Russian President Vladimir Putin may charge a very high price in exchange for aid for the nearly bankrupt euro-zone country. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/cyprus-no-to-bailout-deal-is-a-danger-to-the-euro-zone-a-889893.html#ref=rss The Cypriot rejection on Tuesday night of the euro-zone bailout package for the country's ailing banks has triggered a power struggle between the island nation and the European Union. If Brussels gives in, future efforts to save the euro will be made more difficult. All hopes are now on Russia. Wed, 20 Mar 2013 09:29:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/cyprus-no-to-bailout-deal-is-a-danger-to-the-euro-zone-a-889893.html The Cypriot rejection on Tuesday night of the euro-zone bailout package for the country's ailing banks has triggered a power struggle between the island nation and the European Union. If Brussels gives in, future efforts to save the euro will be made more difficult. All hopes are now on Russia.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/sixty-years-after-death-josef-stalin-still-revered-by-some-russians-a-886933.html#ref=rss Josef Stalin ruled the early years of the Soviet Union with torture, show trials and vast numbers of executions. Yet today, many Russians are willing to forgive this brutality. They see him as a hero for consolidating power and modernizing the country. Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:29:18 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/sixty-years-after-death-josef-stalin-still-revered-by-some-russians-a-886933.html Josef Stalin ruled the early years of the Soviet Union with torture, show trials and vast numbers of executions. Yet today, many Russians are willing to forgive this brutality. They see him as a hero for consolidating power and modernizing the country.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/new-gorbachev-memoir-offers-inside-look-at-soviet-kremlin-a-885648.html#ref=rss In a new book, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev provides an intimate look at his life in the Kremlin and at his relationship with his wife Raisa. It reads like a final attempt to convince Russians to love the former Soviet first lady -- and depicts a party leadership that was plagued with deceit and infighting. Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:02:39 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/new-gorbachev-memoir-offers-inside-look-at-soviet-kremlin-a-885648.html In a new book, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev provides an intimate look at his life in the Kremlin and at his relationship with his wife Raisa. It reads like a final attempt to convince Russians to love the former Soviet first lady -- and depicts a party leadership that was plagued with deceit and infighting.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/letters-how-pussy-riot-members-were-manipulated-during-trial-a-884513.html#ref=rss Three women from the Russian punk bank Pussy Riot secretly wrote each other letters while in pretrial detention. The letters show how state power was used to manipulate the trial and divide the punk band. And President Putin? He benefited from the scandal and tightened his grip on power. Wed, 20 Feb 2013 17:24:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/letters-how-pussy-riot-members-were-manipulated-during-trial-a-884513.html Three women from the Russian punk bank Pussy Riot secretly wrote each other letters while in pretrial detention. The letters show how state power was used to manipulate the trial and divide the punk band. And President Putin? He benefited from the scandal and tightened his grip on power.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/archive-files-suggest-son-of-stalin-surrendered-to-invading-germans-a-883119.html#ref=rss For decades, some have suspected that Yakov Dzhugashvili, the oldest son of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, surrendered to invading German forces instead of being captured. Files in a Russian archive now suggest that the suspicions might be warranted. Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:27:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/archive-files-suggest-son-of-stalin-surrendered-to-invading-germans-a-883119.html