A survivor of the recent factory building collapse in Bangladesh describes the day of the tragedy and the constant pressure to work faster under horrible conditions. Her story provides a glimpse at the difficult and impoverished lives of those who produce inexpensive clothing for the West. more... [ Forum ]
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. By Severin Weiland and Matthias Gebauer more...
For years, major pharmaceutical companies have been testing new drugs in developing countries like India. The practice is forbidden, but the use of subcontractors makes it difficult to detect. By Nicola Kuhrt more... [ Forum ]
With the security situation deteriorating in Afghanistan, Chancellor Merkel paid a visit to German troops last week without even informing Afghan President Karzai. The move highlights frosty relations between Berlin and Kabul amid difficult negotiations for the 2014 troop withdrawal. By Ralf Beste, Matthias Gebauer and Gordon Repinski more... [ Forum ]
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. more... [ Forum ]
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. By Ulrike Putz in Beirut more... [ Forum ]
Not far from the glistening beaches of Bali, mentally ill people are kept in chains or locked up in small shacks. Locals simply don't know what else to do with them. But psychiatrist Luh Ketut Suryani has made it her job to set them free. By Katrin Kuntz more... [ Forum ]
Lions are becoming a threatened species. Trophy hunters and the loss of savannah grasslands have drastically reduced the number of prides. Scientists and conservationists are calling for improved protections for lions -- even if that means fenced-in enclosures. By Renate Nimtz-Koester more... [ Forum ]
North Korea threatens to start a nuclear war, while South Korea dances Gangnam style. Those are the clichés. War has never been this close, but Koreans in Seoul confront their fears by going about a bizarre version of everyday life, complete with truffle pasta and super-smart phones. By Ullrich Fichtner in Seoul more... [ Forum ]
