An Unsettled Issue
In Washington, the Israelis and Palestinians are discussing peace, but in the Jewish settlements in the West Bank, construction is proceeding at full speed. A legal ban is being ignored and the government is looking away. The thousands of new homes could hinder reconciliation.
By Juliane von Mittelstaedt in Jerusalem more...
Readers Respond to Criticism of Obama
Has US policy become too European in its approach to fighting the crisis? A German economist's criticism of President Obama's European-style stimulus package has prompted a flood of letters from SPIEGEL ONLINE readers. Here's a selection of the best comments.
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The Czar's Lost Gold
Legend has it that almost a century ago a series of railway wagons stuffed with gold sank into the depths of a lake in Siberia. This week, researchers, exploring the depths by submarine, may have found the Russian royals' lost gold.
By Benjamin Bidder in Moscow more... A Safety Net for Global Capitalism
When natural disasters, like floods in Pakistan or earthquakes in Haiti, strike, Munich Re, the world's largest reinsurance company, ends up paying part of the bill. Munich Re offers capitalism a safety net, and no other company is more familiar with life's risks.
By Uwe Buse more... [ Forum ]Obama's Misguided Approach
The Obama administration and the Federal Reserve want to fix the United States economy by spending more money. But while that approach might work for Europe, it is risky for the US. The nation would be better off embracing traditional American values like self-reliance and small government.
A Commentary by Thomas Straubhaar more... The World from Berlin
As the first direct talks between Israelis and Palestinians in two years get underway in Washington, President Barack Obama says he is "cautiously hopeful" about finding a solution for the Middle East. German editorialists on Thursday, however, are more circumspect about his chances.
more... The Low-Expectations Summit
A new round of Middle East peace talks begin Thursday in Washington. Expectations have never been so low, but that also presents an opportunity for progress between the Israelis and Palestinians. SPIEGEL ONLINE analyzes the main issues at the talks.
By Juliane von Mittelstaedt in Washington more... [ Forum ]Life in Baghdad's Slums
Iraq's poorest people live on trash heaps, sleep amongst the rats and drink polluted water. In the country with the world's third largest oil reserves, a million people live in misery, despite the fact that the US has spent $53 billion on the country's reconstruction efforts.
By Ulrike Putz in Baghdad more... Internet Freedom
With so many of their media sources controlled by the state or government-friendly oligarchs, Russians have turned to their bloggers to keep informed and give voice to their grievances and concerns. But many of those in power are now seeking to impose rigid limits on online freedom.
By Benjamin Bidder and Matthias Schepp more... [ Forum ]Interview with CIA Veteran Michael Scheuer
The CIA is alleged to have been paying an aide to Afghan President Hamid Karzai for information. Former CIA officer Michael Scheuer spoke to SPIEGEL about why fighting corruption in Afghanistan is all but impossible.
more... Hell on Earth
Women and girls were raped. Men slaughtered. Refugees killed with machetes and sticks. A new UN report describes an orgy of violence in Congo between 1993 and 2003, meticulously documenting how law and humanity were abandoned. It also accuses Rwanda of atrocities in Congo -- something that has not gone down well in Kigali.
By Horand Knaup in Nairobi more...