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 12:36:08 +0200 Tue, 21 May 2013 12:36:08 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-government-approves-export-of-tanks-to-indonesia-a-898698.html#ref=rss In recent years, Chancellor Angela Merkel's government has significantly expanded German arms exports abroad, often to countries with questionable human rights records. Now Berlin has approved a deal to export over 100 tanks to Indonesia. Wed, 08 May 2013 10:54:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-government-approves-export-of-tanks-to-indonesia-a-898698.html In recent years, Chancellor Angela Merkel's government has significantly expanded German arms exports abroad, often to countries with questionable human rights records. Now Berlin has approved a deal to export over 100 tanks to Indonesia.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/dangers-of-unexploded-wwii-munitions-in-north-and-baltic-seas-a-893113.html#ref=rss More than 50 million bombs, shells, detonators and cartridges from World War II are rusting away on the floor of the North and Baltic Seas or are washing up on beaches. Authorities are opting not to remove the ordnance -- and hoping no one gets hurt. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:31:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/dangers-of-unexploded-wwii-munitions-in-north-and-baltic-seas-a-893113.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/information-graphic-gun-ownership-in-germany-a-885089.html#ref=rss Recently published statistics show that Germany is home to a total of 5.4 million legal weapons, the fourth highest per capita number of legal firearms in the world. The information comes from the country's new National Firearms Register, a political reaction to major shooting sprees in recent years. Fri, 22 Feb 2013 18:24:47 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/information-graphic-gun-ownership-in-germany-a-885089.html Recently published statistics show that Germany is home to a total of 5.4 million legal weapons, the fourth highest per capita number of legal firearms in the world. The information comes from the country's new National Firearms Register, a political reaction to major shooting sprees in recent years. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/spiegel-interview-with-eads-ceo-thomas-enders-a-878742.html#ref=rss In October, German government officials blocked the merger of defense giants EADS and BAE Systems. The merger was a key part of EADS CEO Thomas Enders' strategy to rebalance the company's portfolio. In a SPIEGEL interview, Enders explains how the pan-European firm is picking up the pieces. Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:15:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/spiegel-interview-with-eads-ceo-thomas-enders-a-878742.html In October, German government officials blocked the merger of defense giants EADS and BAE Systems. The merger was a key part of EADS CEO Thomas Enders' strategy to rebalance the company's portfolio. In a SPIEGEL interview, Enders explains how the pan-European firm is picking up the pieces. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/us-approach-to-guns-apparent-from-early-advertising-a-874420.html#ref=rss In the wake of the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, it seems grotesque. But gunmakers in the US used to advertise their deadly products directly to teenage boys, marketing them as the perfect Christmas present. And if the wife resisted, Winchester had the answer. Fri, 21 Dec 2012 18:10:44 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/us-approach-to-guns-apparent-from-early-advertising-a-874420.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/researchers-studying-high-rates-of-cancer-and-birth-defects-in-iraq-a-873225.html#ref=rss The guns have been silent in Iraq for years, but in Basra and Fallujah the number of birth defects and cancer cases is on the rise. Locals believe that American uranium-tipped munitions are to blame and some researchers think they might be right. Tue, 18 Dec 2012 17:13:38 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/researchers-studying-high-rates-of-cancer-and-birth-defects-in-iraq-a-873225.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/new-allegations-haunt-eads-fighter-jet-deal-a-873194.html#ref=rss In the corruption scandal surrounding the sale of Eurofighter jets to Austria, more and more information suggests that European defense giant EADS may have played a role in bribery aimed at securing the lucrative contract. The affair has the potential to damage the company's image and its bottom line. Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:40:15 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/new-allegations-haunt-eads-fighter-jet-deal-a-873194.html In the corruption scandal surrounding the sale of Eurofighter jets to Austria, more and more information suggests that European defense giant EADS may have played a role in bribery aimed at securing the lucrative contract. The affair has the potential to damage the company's image and its bottom line. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/commentary-newton-and-the-fatal-national-identity-of-america-a-873350.html#ref=rss America is grieving, praying and discussing stronger gun laws after the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut on Friday. But the latest horrifying massacre is unlikely to change anything. Gun ownership is an important, if misguided, element of the country's national identity. Mon, 17 Dec 2012 13:41:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/commentary-newton-and-the-fatal-national-identity-of-america-a-873350.html America is grieving, praying and discussing stronger gun laws after the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut on Friday. But the latest horrifying massacre is unlikely to change anything. Gun ownership is an important, if misguided, element of the country's national identity.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-commentators-say-it-is-time-for-gun-control-in-the-us-a-873317.html#ref=rss America is in a state of shock following Friday's school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Many in the country have begun calling for new weapons laws and even President Barack Obama seems open to finally challenging the country's powerful gun lobby. It's about time, say German commentators. Mon, 17 Dec 2012 12:12:05 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-commentators-say-it-is-time-for-gun-control-in-the-us-a-873317.html America is in a state of shock following Friday's school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Many in the country have begun calling for new weapons laws and even President Barack Obama seems open to finally challenging the country's powerful gun lobby. It's about time, say German commentators.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/popular-boxer-armored-vehicle-sparks-arms-exports-debate-in-germany-a-872177.html#ref=rss The "Boxer" armored personnel carrier could become a top-selling export item. But with interest in the fighting vehicle coming from questionable regimes, German lawmakers are beginning to demand a say in where Germany sells its weapons. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i> Tue, 11 Dec 2012 13:11:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/popular-boxer-armored-vehicle-sparks-arms-exports-debate-in-germany-a-872177.html By SPIEGEL Staff ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/travels-with-a-bomb-disposal-unit-through-war-ravaged-libya-a-871558.html#ref=rss The war in Libya is over, but life is still dangerous. The country is littered with unexploded ordinance from the 2011 rebellion that overthrew autocrat Moammar Gadhafi. Efforts to encourage militias to forfeit their weapons have made little progress. Fri, 07 Dec 2012 13:55:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/travels-with-a-bomb-disposal-unit-through-war-ravaged-libya-a-871558.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-weapons-exports-on-the-rise-as-merkel-doctrine-takes-hold-a-870596.html#ref=rss Germany used to be extremely careful about where it exported its weapons. In recent years, however, Chancellor Angela Merkel has shown a preference for sending high-tech armaments abroad rather than German soldiers -- even if that means doing business with questionable regimes. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i> Mon, 03 Dec 2012 13:33:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-weapons-exports-on-the-rise-as-merkel-doctrine-takes-hold-a-870596.html By SPIEGEL Staff ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-arms-sales-to-algeria-have-increased-dramatically-a-866690.html#ref=rss German arms sales to Algeria have increased dramatically in the last two years, SPIEGEL has learned. Whereas weapons manufacturers in Germany sold less than 20 million euros worth of materiel to Algeria in 2010, sales have jumped to almost 400 million in the two years since. Not all are pleased by the development. Mon, 12 Nov 2012 12:39:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-arms-sales-to-algeria-have-increased-dramatically-a-866690.html German arms sales to Algeria have increased dramatically in the last two years, SPIEGEL has learned. Whereas weapons manufacturers in Germany sold less than 20 million euros worth of materiel to Algeria in 2010, sales have jumped to almost 400 million in the two years since. Not all are pleased by the development.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/russian-kalashnikov-maker-fights-bankruptcy-with-new-weapons-models-a-853915.html#ref=rss The Russian company that manufactures the legendary Kalashnikov assault rifle has fallen on hard times. A halt in orders from the Russian military and a flood of cheaper knockoffs have driven it into bankruptcy. But the firm hopes to revive its fortunes with new models and a global branding campaign. Wed, 05 Sep 2012 12:23:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/russian-kalashnikov-maker-fights-bankruptcy-with-new-weapons-models-a-853915.html The Russian company that manufactures the legendary Kalashnikov assault rifle has fallen on hard times. A halt in orders from the Russian military and a flood of cheaper knockoffs have driven it into bankruptcy. But the firm hopes to revive its fortunes with new models and a global branding campaign. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/germany-declines-comment-on-report-of-submarine-sale-to-egypt-a-853667.html#ref=rss A report that Germany plans to sell two submarines to Egypt has triggered speculation about a deterioration in German relations with Israel. The German government stressed on Monday that it remained committed to Israel's security -- but officials declined to comment on the report. Mon, 03 Sep 2012 17:33:17 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/germany-declines-comment-on-report-of-submarine-sale-to-egypt-a-853667.html A report that Germany plans to sell two submarines to Egypt has triggered speculation about a deterioration in German relations with Israel. The German government stressed on Monday that it remained committed to Israel's security -- but officials declined to comment on the report. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/merkel-s-risky-weapons-sales-signal-change-in-german-foreign-policy-a-847137.html#ref=rss Drawing lessons from Afghanistan and Libya, German Chancellor Merkel has been making quiet changes to Berlin's arms exports policy. Instead of intervening in conflicts, she wants to help arm certain countries to provide stability in crisis regions. But if history is any guide, the plan could backfire. Mon, 30 Jul 2012 12:23:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/merkel-s-risky-weapons-sales-signal-change-in-german-foreign-policy-a-847137.html Drawing lessons from Afghanistan and Libya, German Chancellor Merkel has been making quiet changes to Berlin's arms exports policy. Instead of intervening in conflicts, she wants to help arm certain countries to provide stability in crisis regions. But if history is any guide, the plan could backfire.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/growing-resistance-to-german-arms-exports-to-india-a-844934.html#ref=rss India is among the world's biggest buyers of weapons -- and the German defense industry wants in on the bonanza. Parliamentarians in Berlin, though, believe that companies are skirting export restrictions to do so -- and that Chancellor Merkel's government is simply looking the other way. Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:00:27 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/growing-resistance-to-german-arms-exports-to-india-a-844934.html India is among the world's biggest buyers of weapons -- and the German defense industry wants in on the bonanza. Parliamentarians in Berlin, though, believe that companies are skirting export restrictions to do so -- and that Chancellor Merkel's government is simply looking the other way.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-to-relax-rules-on-weapons-exports-a-844685.html#ref=rss The German government is planning to relax its tight restrictions on arms exports, according to plans drafted by the Economics Ministry, SPIEGEL has learned. The aim is to make it easier for companies to compete with European rivals. But amid a major debate about the country's role in the global weapons trade, the decision will likely garner heavy criticism. Mon, 16 Jul 2012 17:38:07 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-to-relax-rules-on-weapons-exports-a-844685.html The German government is planning to relax its tight restrictions on arms exports, according to plans drafted by the Economics Ministry, SPIEGEL has learned. The aim is to make it easier for companies to compete with European rivals. But amid a major debate about the country's role in the global weapons trade, the decision will likely garner heavy criticism.]]> 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/germany/two-women-injured-after-touching-wwii-phosphorus-on-german-beach-a-829516.html#ref=rss Two women suffered serious burns on a German beach over the weekend when they misidentified pieces of World War II phosphorus that had washed ashore as amber. Similar accidents occur each year and experts say the threat posed by rusting war munitions dumped into the Baltic and North Sea is increasing. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:18:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/two-women-injured-after-touching-wwii-phosphorus-on-german-beach-a-829516.html Two women suffered serious burns on a German beach over the weekend when they misidentified pieces of World War II phosphorus that had washed ashore as amber. Similar accidents occur each year and experts say the threat posed by rusting war munitions dumped into the Baltic and North Sea is increasing.]]>