The European Union's foreign policy apparatus is often written off as trivial. But its leader, Catherine Ashton, is the one whose tenacious diplomacy has brought the West and Iran back to the table to negotiate Tehran's nuclear program and related sanctions. By Gregor-Peter Schmitz and Christoph Schult in Brussels more... [ Comment ]
They murder, rob and kidnap, just like their male comrades. Some women fight for rebel groups in Congo against their will, while others are driven by desperation. Photographer Francesca Tosarelli documented their dangerous lives. By Johannes Korge more... [ Comment ]
Barack Obama is moving his foreign policy course toward diplomacy and away from military intervention. Suddenly the Iranian nuclear issue and Israeli-Palestinian conflict are back on the table -- but is the Middle East ready for a breakthrough? By Dieter Bednarz, Matthias Gebauer and Holger Stark more... [ Comment ]
Once just a small group, now there are several thousand foreign jihadist fighters present in Syria today. Though some rebel leaders say their presence does pose a danger, the impact of these groups is often exaggerated by the Western media. By Christoph Reuter more... [ Comment ]
More than 800 experts from 195 countries have collaborated on the UN's lengthy new report on climate change. Despite points of scientific contention, the study uncovers worrying developments. Instead of arguing over the details, it's time the international community finally takes action. A Commentary By Christoph Seidler more... [ Comment ]
Septegenarian Ziad Nouri spent more than three months in the hands of jihadist kidnappers in Syria. His story highlights the problem of abductions in a country fractured by civil war and upstart foreign Islamists without a plan. By Christoph Reuter more... [ Comment ]
Foreign Islamists coming into Syria have been gathering in the relatively quiet north. But many of them are finding transit towns -- with good food, video games and smoking -- preferable to the front. When they do end up fighting, it's often with each other. By Christoph Reuter more... [ Comment ]
For decades, it's been common knowledge that dolphins are among the world's smartest species. Now some researchers -- and a new book -- argue the supposed underwater geniuses aren't so special after all. By Philip Bethge more... [ Comment ]
At the Vatican, a down-to-earth Pope Francis has been preaching humility and modesty. Many bishops in Germany, however, are having a hard time embracing a more austere lifestyle. By Peter Wensierski more... [ Comment ]
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