Morals vs. Pragmatism German Ban on Arms Exports to Saudis Spurs Pushback Germany's ruling parties are at odds over the decision to ban all German arms experts to Saudi Arabia in the wake of the Jamal Khashoggi killing. While some argue it is a question of values, others worry it is undermining European cooperation. By DER SPIEGEL Staff
The Shadowy Arms Trade A Look Back at a Questionable Tank Deal An intermediary received a commission of almost $200 million for the sale of battle tanks to United Arab Emirates. Some of that money, though, may have been used to bribe government officials. Von Sven Becker und Michael Sontheimer
Deadly Game Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un Risk Nuclear War With prospects growing that North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un could soon have long-range nuclear missiles at his disposal, Donald Trump is threatening a military response. Suddenly nuclear war seems possible, but how great is the threat of escalation? Von Mathieu von Rohr, Christoph Scheuermann, Wieland Wagner und Bernhard Zand
Dangerous Propaganda Network Close To NATO Military Leader Fueled Ukraine Conflict Working with dubious sourcing, a group close to NATO's chief military commander Philip Breedlove sought to secure weapons deliveries for Ukraine, a trove of newly released emails revealed. The efforts served to intensify the conflict between the West and Russia. Von Christoph Schult und Klaus Wiegrefe
The Russian Threat NATO Struggles to Recover after Years of Budget Cuts A recent study set off widespread concern about NATO's readiness to confront Russian aggression. Now, alliance member states are ratcheting up defense spending -- but the numbers still don't add up. Von Konstantin von Hammerstein
The Path to Death How EU Failures Helped Paris Terrorists Obtain Weapons Where did the weapons used in the 2015 terror attacks in Paris come from? Files from the ongoing investigation now make it possible to follow the trail. Years of EU shortcomings helped the firearms on their way.
Islamist Influx Several Radicalized Ex-German Soldiers in Iraq Germany on Sunday presented the list of weapons it plans to send to the Kurds in northern Iraq. Some of them, though, may end up being used against former German soldiers. SPIEGEL has learned that 20 ex-Bundeswehr troops have joined jihadists in the region.
Interview with UN Peace Envoy Brahimi 'Syria Will Become Another Somalia' For almost two years, Lakhdar Brahimi sought to bring peace to Syria. But in May, the United Nations special envoy stepped down. He speaks with SPIEGEL about the stubbornness of Syrian President Assad, the mistakes of the West and the dangers presented by Islamic radicals. Von Susanne Koelbl
Assad's New Bomb Syrian Regime Hasn't Abandoned Chemical Weapons Despite its pledge to eliminate chemical weapons, the Assad regime is attacking towns and villages with chlorine gas bombs. SPIEGEL visited the communities hit by the most recent bombings to interview victims, doctors and eyewitnesses. Von Christoph Reuter
Shot in Missoula The Tragic Death of a German Exchange Student Diren D., a German high school student from Hamburg, wanted to get a taste of American freedom during an exchange year abroad. Instead, he ended up dead. Are American gun laws to blame? Von Karin Assmann, Marc Hujer, Fidelius Schmid und Andreas Ulrich
A Revolution in Killing The Technological Innovations of WWI A new era in warfare was born on the battlefields of Flanders in 1915. German troops launched a chlorine gas attack in the first ever large-scale use of chemical weapons. It was but one of the technical innovations seen during World War I, and not all of them were as deadly. Von Felix Bohr
Arms Exports Berlin Backs Large Defense Deal with Saudi Arabia Berlin has often been criticized in recent years for selling weapons to questionable regimes. Now, the German government is backing a billion-euro deal for 100 patrol boats.
German Defense Minister 'We Can't Look Away' Germany has been heavily criticized in recent years for not doing its share in hotspots around the world. New Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen says that it is time for Berlin to take more responsibility. She also dreams of a European army. Von René Pfister und Gordon Repinski
More Arrests Greece Makes Progress on Arms Deal Corruption Greek prosecutors last week arrested two more people suspected of having taken bribes from German armaments firms during the last decade. The detentions are the latest in the country's intensified efforts to go after corrupt, high-ranking officials.
Super Subs The German Defense Industry Discovers Asia The German defense industry is increasingly looking to Asia as a growing market for its products. Conflicts in the Far East have led to a demand for the kind of giant -- and expensive -- submarines that come from shipyards in northern Germany. Von Otfried Nassauer und Gordon Repinski
Nobel Peace Prize Honor Highlights OPCW's Risky Syrian Mission The OPCW has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its work to eradicate chemical weapons around the world. But the honor pointedly draws attention to its current challenge: disposing of Syria's arsenal in the midst of a civil war. Von Raniah Salloum
Assad Interview 'West Is More Confident in Al-Qaida than Me' In an interview with SPIEGEL, Syrian President Assad continues to describe the rebels as terrorists, accuses the West of lies and maintains that he is only seeking to defend his country. The leader also admits mistakes.
German Chemicals for Syria Merkel Denies Military Use German Chancellor Angela Merkel says that according to preliminary information, German chemicals sent to Syria were not used to produce sarin. The Left Party wants a closer look.
Mad about Guns America's Deadly Weapons Obsession The tragic shooting in Washington feels all too much like deja vu. But President Barack Obama and his fellow Democrats no longer even attempt to take on the real issue: America's unhindered gun mania. Von Marc Pitzke
'More Boldness' Merkel in Pre-Vote Dispute over Arms Exports An internal paper indicates Chancellor Merkel's conservatives want Germany to increase arms exports, a move strictly opposed by her coalition partners. Foreign Minister Westerwelle struck back this week, highlighting a government spat just days before the election. Von Matthias Gebauer