Brave New World Etc.(formerly Midtown Blogger): Der Spiegel

The Jihad Cult: Why Young Germans Are Answering Call to Holy War

Hundreds of young German Islamists have traveled to Syria to fight with the terrorist group Islamic State. SPIEGEL explored the extremist scene in Germany and the fascination with jihad in order to find answers about what drives people to join the murderous cult. By SPIEGEL Staff more... [ Comment ]

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Under the Scope

Announcement to Our Readers

SPIEGEL International in 2014: A Note from the Editors

The Price of Hope Traffickers Profit as Asylum Seekers Head for Europe

More than 150,000 refugees have landed this year on the Italian coastline, most of them hoping to continue north. As the EU struggles to find an answer, human traffickers are raking in billions. By Walter Mayr more... [ Comment ]

Photo Gallery: The Dangerous and Expensive Trip to Europe

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Speed Science The Global Hunt for an Ebola Vaccine

Medical researchers are frantically testing new drugs and vaccines in the hope of slowing down the Ebola epidemic. Thus far, results have been promising. It may only be a matter of weeks before the first patients in West Africa can be treated. By Veronika Hackenbroch, Markus Grill and Katrin Elger more... [ Comment ]

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The Radical Pragmatist Donald Tusk Provides Strong Voice for Eastern Europe

With the appointment of Donald Tusk as president of the powerful EU Council, a politician from Eastern Europe will be placed in one of Brussels' most important positions for the first time. The former Polish leader could become a key voice in the crisis with Russia. By Jan Puhl more... [ Comment ]

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Swing Sets and Death in Syria A Visit to an Aleppo Playground

Every day, children from the Salaheddin district of Aleppo meet at the local playground. They play war as the real one rages just a few meters away. But the graves are slowly encroaching. By Christoph Reuter in Aleppo, Syria more... [ Comment ]

Photo Gallery: Playing Amid the Graves

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Relations at Rock Bottom Cracks Form in Berlin Over Russia Stance

A political solution is more distant than ever in the Russia conflict, with the German government and EU having exhausted their diplomatic options. A rift may now be growing between Chancellor Merkel and her foreign minister over Berlin's tough stance against Moscow. By SPIEGEL Staff more... [ Comment ]

11/26/2014 from asimpleguest: in the video ''Ukraine-Russian border completely wide open, warns Nato commander –... more...

German Foreign Minister 'Crimea Will Remain a Source of Conflict'

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned recently that leaders should tone down their rhetoric on Russia. SPIEGEL asked him whether his comments were directed at Chancellor Merkel and how he believes the conflict with Russia might develop. Interview Conducted by Christiane Hoffmann more... [ Comment ]

Summit of Failure: How the EU Lost Russia over Ukraine

11/26/2014 from asimpleguest: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/18/gorbachev-crimea_n_4985937.html http://www.telegraph.co.... more...

Summit of Failure How the EU Lost Russia over Ukraine

One year ago, negotations over a Ukraine association agreement with the European Union collapsed. The result has been a standoff with Russia and war in the Donbass. It was an historical failure, and one that German Chancellor Angela Merkel contributed to. By SPIEGEL Staff more... [ Comment ]

Photo Gallery: Ukraine's Road to War

11/26/2014 from caldre: You CIA-bought journalists still can't get any objectivity in. The propaganda and spin drips from... more...

Emperor's New Clothes Money Lacking for Facade of Berlin's New Palace

Construction on Berlin's new city palace is continuing apace, but organizers lack the money necessary for the structure's Baroque facade. Even worse, the Berlin city-state may back out of the project. By Sven Becker and Michael Sontheimer more... [ Comment ]

Photo Gallery: Berlin's New Palace

11/23/2014 from anonymous123: The donations flow in daily: what isn't there today will be there tomorrow, and more the day after:... more...

Students of Death Euthanasia Doctors Seek Existential Answers at Auschwitz

A group of Belgium's leading practitioners of euthanasia recently visited the Auschwitz concentration camp memorial to learn more about death and humanity. The trip proved to be just as controversial for the doctors as it did insightful. By Katrin Kuntz more... [ Comment ]

Photo Gallery: A Trip to Auschwitz

11/24/2014 from turnipseed: Ever since the news of the Final Solution finally penetrated into the thick skulls of westerners... more...

Teeth and Bones Mass Abduction Reveals a Decaying Mexican State

Most murders don't even make the front page in Mexico anymore. But the recent abduction of 43 students has infuriated the country. The story has exposed the tight relationship between politics, law enforcement and organized crime. And it shows how weak the state has become. By Marian Blasberg and Jens Glüsing more... [ Comment ]