May 30, 2012, 03:13 PM
Despite the expulsion of Syrian envoys from several Western countries on Tuesday and Wednesday, a military intervention in the country remains unlikely. Both Russia and China are strictly opposed and the US is skeptical as well. German commentators explore the alternatives. more...
May 30, 2012, 11:35 AM
Berlin reacted with surprise and irritation on Wednesday at French President François Hollande's statement that he would not rule out international military intervention in Syria. Officials were quick to state that Germany is not considering military options, and some said Hollande's position was made for domestic political gains. more...
May 29, 2012, 03:28 PM
The WWF is the most powerful environmental organization in the world and campaigns internationally on issues such as saving tigers and rain forests. But a closer look at its work leads to a sobering conclusion: Many of its activities benefit industry more than the environment or endangered species. By Jens Glüsing and Nils Klawitter more... [ Forum ]
May 29, 2012, 02:14 PM
The United Nations on Tuesday revealed that the majority of those massacred on Friday in the Syrian town of Houla were executed by regime-allied forces, whereupon France and Germany expelled the Syrian ambassadors from their capitals. German commentators say that it is time for the international community to take action. more...
May 28, 2012, 12:03 PM
With at least 109 dead, including dozens of children, the weekend massacre in the Syrian village of Houla could go down in history alongside such brutal post-World War II massacres as My Lai and Srebrenica. In Syria, it will likely trigger a new wave of violence and reprisals. By Ulrike Putz in Beirut more...
May 25, 2012, 02:04 PM
The Eurovision Song Contest has a massive gay following. But homophobia is rife in this year's host country, Azerbaijan, where gays and lesbians have to keep a low profile and fear violent attacks. Even so, locals say that gay Eurovision fans traveling to Baku needn't fear for their safety -- because the regime doesn't want any trouble. By Annette Langer in Baku more... [ Forum ]
May 22, 2012, 04:41 PM
NATO has announced concrete plans for withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014, a decision that leaders called both "irreversible" and "responsible." But German commentators on Tuesday aren't convinced. They question whether Afghan forces can maintain control. more...
May 22, 2012, 03:19 PM
The Muslim Brotherhood is the strongest political force in Egypt, which is holding presidential elections this week, yet opinions are divided over the nature of the movement and what it really wants. A visit to Ismailia, the small city on the Suez Canal where the movement began, provides an insight into the Islamists' goals. By Alexander Smoltczyk in Ismailia, Egypt more... [ Forum ]
May 21, 2012, 02:19 PM
NATO leaders gathered in Chicago are faced with an ever-worsening conundrum: How can they cut military expenditures while at the same time boosting the alliance's military capabilities? The answer is called "Smart Defense," and critics worry it could result in the weakening of the alliance. By Sebastian Fischer and Matthias Gebauer more...
May 21, 2012, 01:13 PM
For the first time in the history of the Cannes Film Festival, a distribution firm has asked for a fee from journalists who want to interview Hollywood celebrities. Many journalists are eschewing the offer of a 20-minute interview with Brad Pitt for 2,500 euros, arguing it would set a dangerous precedent. more...
