A marvel of nature, the lakes of Ounianga in the Sahara Desert have lasted thousands of years and withstood dramatic climate change. Now, a German geologist has analyzed lakebed sediments to shed light on a spectacular chapter in human history. By Johann Grolle more... [ Forum ]
Australia's Great Barrier Reef is rapidly losing its coral, to the point that UNESCO may soon place the natural wonder on its "in danger" list. Climate change is one culprit, but so is the country's booming extraction industry. Environmentalists warn that time is running out for the reef. By Samiha Shafy more... [ Forum ]
Today's class struggles are increasingly taking place in cities, says Marxist and social theorist David Harvey. In an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE, he discusses how urbanization will play a key role in social conflicts to come. more... [ Forum ]
Now that the notorious drug gangs of Rio de Janiero's shanty towns have been driven out, the neighborhoods are attracting new residents from Southern Europe. Fleeing the euro crisis back home, the expats are contributing to a real estate boom in the favelas. By Jens Gluesing more... [ Forum ]
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. more... [ Forum ]
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. An Essay by Erich Follath more... [ Forum ]
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 ]
