http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Sat, 25 May 2013 15:09:44 +0200 Sat, 25 May 2013 15:09:44 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/rebel-leaders-ask-for-weapons-from-the-west-a-901747.html#ref=rss Despite desperate pleas from top Syrian insurgents, Western leaders remain reluctant to arm them. Though the European embargo is set to expire at the end of the month, political and legal considerations make aid for the rebels unlikely. Fri, 24 May 2013 18:19:03 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/rebel-leaders-ask-for-weapons-from-the-west-a-901747.html Despite desperate pleas from top Syrian insurgents, Western leaders remain reluctant to arm them. Though the European embargo is set to expire at the end of the month, political and legal considerations make aid for the rebels unlikely.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/amnesty-international-report-slams-european-asylum-policies-a-901447.html#ref=rss Millions are fleeing from war and violence, but Europe is sealing itself off to those in need, a new report from Amnesty International alleged on Thursday. The human rights organization urged EU countries to act and save lives. Thu, 23 May 2013 12:48:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/amnesty-international-report-slams-european-asylum-policies-a-901447.html Millions are fleeing from war and violence, but Europe is sealing itself off to those in need, a new report from Amnesty International alleged on Thursday. The human rights organization urged EU countries to act and save lives. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-intelligence-believes-assad-regime-regaining-lost-power-a-901188.html#ref=rss Not even a year ago, German intelligence predicted Syrian autocrat Bashar Assad's regime would soon collapse. Now, the agency instead believes the rebels are in trouble. Government troops are set to make significant advances, it predicts. Wed, 22 May 2013 11:31:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-intelligence-believes-assad-regime-regaining-lost-power-a-901188.html Not even a year ago, German intelligence predicted Syrian autocrat Bashar Assad's regime would soon collapse. Now, the agency instead believes the rebels are in trouble. Government troops are set to make significant advances, it predicts.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-german-foreign-minister-guido-westerwelle-a-900611.html#ref=rss In a SPIEGEL interview, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, 51, discusses the search for a political solution to the Syrian civil war, controversial German arms exports and how his family's experiences in World War II inform his positions today. Mon, 20 May 2013 11:28:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-german-foreign-minister-guido-westerwelle-a-900611.html 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/berlin-sees-chemical-weapons-as-trigger-for-intervention-in-syria-a-899962.html#ref=rss The German government is starting to worry about parallels between the Iraq war 10 years ago and the Syrian conflict. The Foreign Ministry believes that mounting concern over the possible use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime could prompt the US government to launch a military intervention. Wed, 15 May 2013 12:45:26 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/berlin-sees-chemical-weapons-as-trigger-for-intervention-in-syria-a-899962.html The German government is starting to worry about parallels between the Iraq war 10 years ago and the Syrian conflict. The Foreign Ministry believes that mounting concern over the possible use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime could prompt the US government to launch a military intervention. ]]> 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/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/syria-experts-warn-against-military-intervention-a-899189.html#ref=rss What contours might a military intervention in Syria take on? Strategists are discussing the creation of a humanitarian buffer and no-fly zone. But experts warn that 40,000 to 75,000 ground troops would be required in Syria for that to happen. Fri, 10 May 2013 18:13:43 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/syria-experts-warn-against-military-intervention-a-899189.html What contours might a military intervention in Syria take on? Strategists are discussing the creation of a humanitarian buffer and no-fly zone. But experts warn that 40,000 to 75,000 ground troops would be required in Syria for that to happen. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/former-us-national-security-advisor-brzezinski-on-syrian-chemical-weapons-a-897228.html#ref=rss In a SPIEGEL interview, former United States National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski, 85, discusses President Barack Obama's tepid response to the civil war in Syria and allegations that chemical weapons have been deployed in the country. Wed, 01 May 2013 13:49:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/former-us-national-security-advisor-brzezinski-on-syrian-chemical-weapons-a-897228.html In a SPIEGEL interview, former United States National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski, 85, discusses President Barack Obama's tepid response to the civil war in Syria and allegations that chemical weapons have been deployed in the country. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/young-german-jihadists-fight-on-side-of-rebels-in-syrian-war-a-897235.html#ref=rss Jihadists from Germany are engaging in combat, and dying, on the side of the rebels in Syria. Authorities fear the young and inexperienced fighters will be radicalized before they return to Europe, assuming they survive at all. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:19:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/young-german-jihadists-fight-on-side-of-rebels-in-syrian-war-a-897235.html Jihadists from Germany are engaging in combat, and dying, on the side of the rebels in Syria. Authorities fear the young and inexperienced fighters will be radicalized before they return to Europe, assuming they survive at all. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-officials-fear-return-of-islamist-fighters-in-syria-a-896745.html#ref=rss German security officials believe that a number of Germans have teamed up with radical Islamists on the frontlines in Syria. What worries them most are the training and ties they've gained abroad -- and whether they'll continue the jihad once home. Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:22:58 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-officials-fear-return-of-islamist-fighters-in-syria-a-896745.html German security officials believe that a number of Germans have teamed up with radical Islamists on the frontlines in Syria. What worries them most are the training and ties they've gained abroad -- and whether they'll continue the jihad once home.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-minister-says-authorities-concerned-about-lone-wolf-terrorists-a-896493.html#ref=rss The Boston terrorist attack has more than just Americans worried. In a SPIEGEL ONLINE interview, German Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich discusses the deadly event, calls for increased video surveillance and warns of future attacks by other lone wolves. Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:18:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-minister-says-authorities-concerned-about-lone-wolf-terrorists-a-896493.html The Boston terrorist attack has more than just Americans worried. In a SPIEGEL ONLINE interview, German Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich discusses the deadly event, calls for increased video surveillance and warns of future attacks by other lone wolves.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/syrian-city-of-zabadani-embodies-absurdity-of-civil-war-a-896009.html#ref=rss The city of Zabadani is full of surprises. Rebels have established a city council, a prison and court system, a financial office and even a Facebook page. And their efforts are not unusual: Locally operating rebel governments are springing up across the country, becoming an important new force in the Syrian civil war. Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:53:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/syrian-city-of-zabadani-embodies-absurdity-of-civil-war-a-896009.html The city of Zabadani is full of surprises. Rebels have established a city council, a prison and court system, a financial office and even a Facebook page. And their efforts are not unusual: Locally operating rebel governments are springing up across the country, becoming an important new force in the Syrian civil war.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/commentary-on-western-excuses-for-avoiding-intervention-in-syria-a-891927.html#ref=rss Western leaders -- and German ones, in particular -- have come up with countless reasons for not providing military support to Syrian rebels. But this just plays into the hands of Assad, who has nothing to win, but plenty to destroy. Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:12:36 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/commentary-on-western-excuses-for-avoiding-intervention-in-syria-a-891927.html Western leaders -- and German ones, in particular -- have come up with countless reasons for not providing military support to Syrian rebels. But this just plays into the hands of Assad, who has nothing to win, but plenty to destroy. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/opinion-western-demands-for-assad-resignation-prolong-war-in-syria-a-889773.html#ref=rss The West insists that for any negotiations on an end to the Syrian civil war to happen, President Bashar Assad must first step down. The demand is fatal and only prolongs the bloodletting, allowing Syria to slip into anarchy while radical Islamists slowly hijack the revolution. Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:21:05 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/opinion-western-demands-for-assad-resignation-prolong-war-in-syria-a-889773.html The West insists that for any negotiations on an end to the Syrian civil war to happen, President Bashar Assad must first step down. The demand is fatal and only prolongs the bloodletting, allowing Syria to slip into anarchy while radical Islamists slowly hijack the revolution.]]> 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/europe/european-union-split-over-ending-arms-embargo-to-syria-a-889151.html#ref=rss The European Union has long prohibited all weapons exports to Syria, whether to rebels or government forces. But the embargo is up for renewal in May, and France is leading calls to let it expire and give rebels more fighting power against the Assad regime. Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:43:08 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/european-union-split-over-ending-arms-embargo-to-syria-a-889151.html The European Union has long prohibited all weapons exports to Syria, whether to rebels or government forces. But the embargo is up for renewal in May, and France is leading calls to let it expire and give rebels more fighting power against the Assad regime.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-language-propaganda-video-calls-for-holy-war-in-syria-a-888394.html#ref=rss A disturbing video has emerged on the Internet showing a radical Islamist rebel in Syria speaking to the camera in German. The man, who authorities say lived in the German city of Kassel for years, calls on Muslim viewers to come to Syria and wage a "holy war" against the government. Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:21:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-language-propaganda-video-calls-for-holy-war-in-syria-a-888394.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/civil-war-makes-life-a-struggle-in-aleppo-in-northern-syria-a-887265.html#ref=rss Buildings burst in a hail of exploding shells, killer shrapnel tears through the air. Around the next corner, bakers work while children comb through debris for corpses. That's Aleppo today -- a city where death is part of everyday life. Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:00:11 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/civil-war-makes-life-a-struggle-in-aleppo-in-northern-syria-a-887265.html Buildings burst in a hail of exploding shells, killer shrapnel tears through the air. Around the next corner, bakers work while children comb through debris for corpses. That's Aleppo today -- a city where death is part of everyday life. ]]>