May 15, 2012, 12:24 PM
While a savage civil war rages in Syria, nothing has been heard from Asma al-Assad, the British-born wife of President Bashar Assad. In a guest contribution, the wives of two United Nations ambassadors call on Asma to finally take a stand against the violence, arguing: "It is not too late for action." By Sheila Lyall Grant and Huberta von Voss-Wittig in New York more...
May 14, 2012, 05:55 PM
A foolhardy maneuver by the pilot may have led to the crash of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 in Indonesia last week. Hopes were high that the new passenger jet could revive Russia's aviation industry and the pilot wanted to do all he could to ensure success. By Matthias Schepp and Gerald Traufetter more... [ Forum ]
May 11, 2012, 05:54 PM
The environmental movement is losing momentum and governments around the world are ignoring their responsibility for slowing climate change. Greenpeace head Kumi Naidoo, however, remains optimistic. In an interview, he explains his new vision for a sustainable world -- and how the pope can help. more... [ Forum ]
May 11, 2012, 12:19 PM
The military coup and ensuing fighting in Mali has resulted in the deterioration of an already bad situation in Africa's Sahel region. Islamist extremists have gained the upper hand in northern Mali and now control Timbuktu. Al-Qaida and other militant groups now have free reign across vast swaths of Africa. By Horand Knaup more... [ Forum ]
May 10, 2012, 05:59 PM
Washington and Islamabad have barely been on speaking terms since US forces killed Osama bin Laden last year. But with American and NATO troops set to leave neighboring Afghanistan soon, nuclear-armed Pakistan has little motivation to improve relations. Hatred of the US is growing in the country. By Hasnain Kazim and Gerhard Spörl more... [ Forum ]
May 10, 2012, 03:36 PM
In a nightmare for Russia's aviation industry, the country's new Superjet 100 has crashed into a mountainside during a demonstration flight in Indonesia. The disaster could jeopardize the ambitious Superjet project, which Moscow had hoped would be an aviation success story. more...
May 08, 2012, 03:59 PM
Politicians in Germany and Brussels are hotly debating the Ukrainian government's treatment of opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko as her country prepares to co-host the European Football Championship. In a SPIEGEL interview, the head of the German Olympic Sports Confederation argues that boycotting the event is the wrong way to address Ukraine's problems. more... [ Forum ]
May 07, 2012, 04:18 PM
Mass arrests of protesters over the weekend signal tough times ahead for Russia. Vladimir Putin's inauguration for his third term as president on Monday heralds the rollback of meager reforms made by his predecessor Dmitry Medvedev. Instead of expanding freedoms in the country, Putin has been vaguely refining his Potemkin democracy. By Matthias Schepp in Moscow more...
May 07, 2012, 09:13 AM
Blind Chinese civil rights activist Chen Guangcheng caused tension between the US and China when he sought refuge at the US Embassy after escaping from house arrest. In a SPIEGEL interview, Chen talks about the threats against his family and his desire to leave China as quickly as possible. more... [ Forum ]
May 03, 2012, 03:00 PM
A US-Chinese agreement reached on the fate of Chen Guangcheng has collapsed after the blind activist unexpectedly asked for asylum in the US on Thursday. The human rights case is taxing diplomatic relations between the two countries. German editorialists on Thursday discuss its implications. more...
May 03, 2012, 12:56 PM
The Occupy movement got off to a great start last fall, but living in a tent camp seemed less attractive during the Northern European winter. Now that spring is back, activists are hoping for a protest renaissance. But the loose-knit group still needs to figure out what it actually stands for. By Wiebke Hollersen more... [ Forum ]