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

Opinion: Stop Talking about NATO Membership for Ukraine

The president of Ukraine is talking up the idea of a national referendum to join NATO, an idea that the military alliance's chief has openly supported. But such a debate is dangerous -- because it divides member states and provides Putin with powerful ammunition. A Commentary by Christoph Schult in Brussels more... [ Comment ]

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War on WhistleblowersBerlin Gets Serious in the Search for Moles

The German government has had enough of reading about state secrets in the media. SPIEGEL has learned that officials are now preparing to file a criminal complaint against unknown persons and has undertaken other efforts to identify moles as well. By SPIEGEL Staff more... [ Comment ]

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The Greek PatientEurope Debates Third Bailout Package for Athens

Greece wants to shed the shackles of the troika, but it still hasn't fulfilled the requirements to do so. Despite this, Athens' European partners want to provide additional aid to ensure that the Greek patient makes a complete fiscal and economic recovery. By Christoph Pauly, Christian Reiermann and Christoph Schult more... [ Comment ]

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The Jihad CultWhy 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 ]

12/01/2014 from nsmith: Good question. But a bit like asking why do humans wage war against each other? -- That's something... more...

The Price of HopeTraffickers 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 Mayrmore... [ Comment ]

Photo Gallery: The Dangerous and Expensive Trip to Europe

11/29/2014 from nsmith: Human trafficking as profit motivation...And exactly therein lies the main problem. The sheer... more...

Speed ScienceThe 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 ]

11/28/2014 from mishoj: Africa: Population 1.1 Billion people The countries suffering today from the effects of Ebola... more...

The Radical PragmatistDonald 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 Puhlmore... [ Comment ]

11/30/2014 from juleabacall: Are you serious? After all the same kinds of mistakes so far, you think some one from POLAND is... more...

Swing Sets and Death in SyriaA 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 BottomCracks 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 ]

11/28/2014 from oscar_lynch: ... blackmail. US policy is clear: follow our lead to isolate Russia and reduce its influence in... 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

11/30/2014 from juleabacall: This is entirely the fault of US/EU and I as an American who has been closely following this a few... more...

Summit of FailureHow 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 Staffmore... [ Comment ]