https://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Thu, 02 Jan 2020 12:24:02 +0100 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 12:24:02 +0100 https://www.spiegel.de https://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/v12/logo/spiegelonline_400x44_amp.png https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-hunt-for-islamic-state-leader-baghdadi-a-1294485.html#ref=rss For years, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was the world's most-wanted terrorist. Last weekend, American elite soldiers managed to find and eliminate him in compound in northeastern Syria. How did he end up there? Fri, 01 Nov 2019 18:00:09 +0100 https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-hunt-for-islamic-state-leader-baghdadi-a-1294485.html For years, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was the world's most-wanted terrorist. Last weekend, American elite soldiers managed to find and eliminate him in compound in northeastern Syria. How did he end up there?]]> https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-defense-minister-s-proposal-deserves-recognition-a-1293707.html#ref=rss In an interview, Wolfgang Ischinger, head of the influential Munich Security Conference, praises the German defense minister for her push for a security corridor in northern Syria and explains why Vladimir Putin might even agree to it. Mon, 28 Oct 2019 18:29:45 +0100 https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-defense-minister-s-proposal-deserves-recognition-a-1293707.html In an interview, Wolfgang Ischinger, head of the influential Munich Security Conference, praises the German defense minister for her push for a security corridor in northern Syria and explains why Vladimir Putin might even agree to it.]]> https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-syria-proposal-a-risk-for-merkel-ally-a-1293694.html#ref=rss By proposing a security zone in northern Syria, Germany's defense minister has irked important allies in Berlin and taken international partners by surprise. It is a risky move and could determine whether she will succeed Merkel as chancellor. <i>By DER SPIEGEL Staff</i> Mon, 28 Oct 2019 18:29:29 +0100 https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-syria-proposal-a-risk-for-merkel-ally-a-1293694.html By proposing a security zone in northern Syria, Germany's defense minister has irked important allies in Berlin and taken international partners by surprise. It is a risky move and could determine whether she will succeed Merkel as chancellor. By DER SPIEGEL Staff ]]> https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-syrian-debacle-and-its-implications-for-europe-a-1292149.html#ref=rss Now that the U.S. has withdrawn from northern Syria, a trio of autocrats is dividing the country up between them. But with Putin, Erdogan and Assad now having the say in the region, dangers are on the horizon for Europe. <i>By DER SPIEGEL Staff</i> Fri, 18 Oct 2019 18:11:00 +0200 https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-syrian-debacle-and-its-implications-for-europe-a-1292149.html Now that the U.S. has withdrawn from northern Syria, a trio of autocrats is dividing the country up between them. But with Putin, Erdogan and Assad now having the say in the region, dangers are on the horizon for Europe. By DER SPIEGEL Staff ]]> https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/idlib-assad-picks-off-civilians-with-fighter-jets-a-1283330.html#ref=rss Syrian forces are targeting individual civilians in Idlib province with drones and fighter jets. Once the last stronghold of anti-government rebels, Idlib is now under the firm control of dictator Bashar Assad. Even Turkey, once the rebels' protector, is powerless to help. Tue, 27 Aug 2019 14:00:35 +0200 https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/idlib-assad-picks-off-civilians-with-fighter-jets-a-1283330.html Syrian forces are targeting individual civilians in Idlib province with drones and fighter jets. Once the last stronghold of anti-government rebels, Idlib is now under the firm control of dictator Bashar Assad. Even Turkey, once the rebels' protector, is powerless to help.]]> https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/syrian-general-hassan-receives-treatment-despite-warrant-a-1280876.html#ref=rss Jamil Hassan is one of the Assad regime's most brutal henchmen. But despite an international warrant for his arrest, he was able to travel to Beirut for treatment of his ailing heart. Why wasn't he taken into custody? Wed, 07 Aug 2019 15:49:00 +0200 https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/syrian-general-hassan-receives-treatment-despite-warrant-a-1280876.html Jamil Hassan is one of the Assad regime's most brutal henchmen. But despite an international warrant for his arrest, he was able to travel to Beirut for treatment of his ailing heart. Why wasn't he taken into custody?]]> https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/most-syrian-refugees-want-to-stay-in-germany-a-1275389.html#ref=rss Islamic State has been conquered and the war has ended in large parts of Syria, but most Syrian refugees living in Germany want to stay. Many fear persecution if they go back while others have already established themselves in their new home. Wed, 03 Jul 2019 17:09:04 +0200 https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/most-syrian-refugees-want-to-stay-in-germany-a-1275389.html Islamic State has been conquered and the war has ended in large parts of Syria, but most Syrian refugees living in Germany want to stay. Many fear persecution if they go back while others have already established themselves in their new home.]]> https://www.spiegel.de/international/globalsocieties/syrian-refugees-in-jordan-starting-new-lives-a-1271357.html#ref=rss Hundreds of thousands of Syrians fled the violence in their homeland to Jordan. Many still live in camps while others have tried to start new lives in the city. Here, they speak of the challenges they face. Tue, 11 Jun 2019 18:29:37 +0200 https://www.spiegel.de/international/globalsocieties/syrian-refugees-in-jordan-starting-new-lives-a-1271357.html https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/islamic-state-plans-next-move-after-loss-of-caliphate-a-1260370.html#ref=rss In the desert between Iraq and Syria, mostly Kurdish forces have seized the last remaining pocket of the Islamic State's once sprawling dominion. But while the terrorists may have capitulated for now, many have gone underground to plan the next deadly phase. Thu, 04 Apr 2019 11:08:33 +0200 https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/islamic-state-plans-next-move-after-loss-of-caliphate-a-1260370.html In the desert between Iraq and Syria, mostly Kurdish forces have seized the last remaining pocket of the Islamic State's once sprawling dominion. But while the terrorists may have capitulated for now, many have gone underground to plan the next deadly phase.]]> https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/children-of-the-islamic-state-suffer-as-caliphate-ends-a-1259225.html#ref=rss The last pocket of Islamic State may have been dislodged over the weekend, but the extremist group has left behind hundreds of children. They are the group's weakest and most innocent victims -- and in urgent need of medical care. Mon, 25 Mar 2019 17:45:38 +0100 https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/children-of-the-islamic-state-suffer-as-caliphate-ends-a-1259225.html The last pocket of Islamic State may have been dislodged over the weekend, but the extremist group has left behind hundreds of children. They are the group's weakest and most innocent victims -- and in urgent need of medical care.]]> https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/syrian-torturers-face-justice-in-europe-a-1253509.html#ref=rss In a first, German authorities have arrested two men accused of being part of the Syrian regime's torture apparatus. Thousands of Syrian residents, and even German citizens, have been caught in Assad's jails, which have been the sites of widespread human rights abuses. Mon, 18 Feb 2019 17:11:37 +0100 https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/syrian-torturers-face-justice-in-europe-a-1253509.html In a first, German authorities have arrested two men accused of being part of the Syrian regime's torture apparatus. Thousands of Syrian residents, and even German citizens, have been caught in Assad's jails, which have been the sites of widespread human rights abuses. ]]> https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-obama-adviser-ben-rhodes-a-1252674.html#ref=rss Ben Rhodes was a key adviser in the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama. With his memoir now being published in German, DER SPIEGEL spoke with him about the Donald Trump presidency, America's diminished role in the world and Obama's Middle East policy. Mon, 11 Feb 2019 13:35:46 +0100 https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-obama-adviser-ben-rhodes-a-1252674.html https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/germany-seeks-reform-as-it-begins-security-council-stint-a-1247228.html#ref=rss Germany is once again part of the UN Security Council for a two-year stint. But the council's inability to put a stop to the violence in Syria and Yemen in recent years shows the need for reform is more urgent than ever. Can Berlin make a difference? Thu, 10 Jan 2019 15:27:41 +0100 https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/germany-seeks-reform-as-it-begins-security-council-stint-a-1247228.html Germany is once again part of the UN Security Council for a two-year stint. But the council's inability to put a stop to the violence in Syria and Yemen in recent years shows the need for reform is more urgent than ever. Can Berlin make a difference?]]> https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/syria-idlib-province-gets-new-lease-on-life-a-1230480.html#ref=rss The looming military offensive on the Idlib province in Syria has been called off for now. People there are yearning to return to normal life and rapidly planning for the future. But how long with the peace last? Fri, 28 Sep 2018 14:40:00 +0200 https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/syria-idlib-province-gets-new-lease-on-life-a-1230480.html https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/iran-foreign-minister-nuclear-deal-hardly-a-love-affair-a-1228474.html#ref=rss The nuclear deal with Iran is limping on even after the United States' withdrawal. DER SPIEGEL spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif about the agreement, what Europe's options are and his country's growing influence in the Middle East. Tue, 18 Sep 2018 13:20:31 +0200 https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/iran-foreign-minister-nuclear-deal-hardly-a-love-affair-a-1228474.html The nuclear deal with Iran is limping on even after the United States' withdrawal. DER SPIEGEL spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif about the agreement, what Europe's options are and his country's growing influence in the Middle East.]]> https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-faces-new-pressure-to-take-military-role-in-syria-a-1228150.html#ref=rss Under pressure from the United States, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her defense minister have signaled an increased willingness to take military action against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in case of a chemical weapons attack. But their options are limited by domestic reality. Mon, 17 Sep 2018 10:05:06 +0200 https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-faces-new-pressure-to-take-military-role-in-syria-a-1228150.html Under pressure from the United States, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her defense minister have signaled an increased willingness to take military action against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in case of a chemical weapons attack. But their options are limited by domestic reality. ]]> https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/idlib-syria-this-could-be-the-last-battle-a-1227054.html#ref=rss Syrian dictator Bashar Assad has his eyes on recapturing Idlib, the last rebel stronghold in Syria. But Russia may have other uses for the province. And Turkey and Iran have a say as well. Fri, 07 Sep 2018 18:00:33 +0200 https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/idlib-syria-this-could-be-the-last-battle-a-1227054.html Syrian dictator Bashar Assad has his eyes on recapturing Idlib, the last rebel stronghold in Syria. But Russia may have other uses for the province. And Turkey and Iran have a say as well.]]> https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-future-of-syria-under-bashar-assad-a-1223178.html#ref=rss After seven years of war, Syrian dictator Bashar Assad has three-quarters of the country back under his control. But with Western reconstruction funding still tied to his departure, the future is murky. Thu, 16 Aug 2018 15:50:29 +0200 https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-future-of-syria-under-bashar-assad-a-1223178.html After seven years of war, Syrian dictator Bashar Assad has three-quarters of the country back under his control. But with Western reconstruction funding still tied to his departure, the future is murky.]]> https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/senior-assad-aid-charged-with-war-crimes-a-1211923.html#ref=rss DER SPIEGEL has learned that Germany's chief federal prosecutor has issued an international arrest warrant for one of the Syrian regime's top intelligence officials. He is suspected of being responsible for wide-scale torture and murder. Fri, 08 Jun 2018 13:23:45 +0200 https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/senior-assad-aid-charged-with-war-crimes-a-1211923.html DER SPIEGEL has learned that Germany's chief federal prosecutor has issued an international arrest warrant for one of the Syrian regime's top intelligence officials. He is suspected of being responsible for wide-scale torture and murder.]]> https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-divided-about-approach-to-russia-a-1206338.html#ref=rss Germany's new foreign minister has adopted a sharper tone than his predecessors on Russia. There are plenty of reasons to do so, but it is a significant break with tradition. Berlin is casting about for a happy medium. <i>By DER SPIEGEL Staff</i> Wed, 09 May 2018 09:50:00 +0200 https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-divided-about-approach-to-russia-a-1206338.html Germany's new foreign minister has adopted a sharper tone than his predecessors on Russia. There are plenty of reasons to do so, but it is a significant break with tradition. Berlin is casting about for a happy medium. By DER SPIEGEL Staff ]]>