Roberto Abraham Scaruffi

Thursday 28 March 2013

SPIEGEL ONLINE INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER
Compiled on March 26, 2013, 06:06 PM CET
Spy in Cell 15

The Real Story Behind Israel's 'Prisoner X'

Mossad agent Ben Zygier was found hanged in his cell and his case made headlines around the world. New information shows that Zygier, once a passionate Zionist, had become a turncoat who delivered sensitive information to Hezbollah. By SPIEGEL Staff

Merkel's Caution

Berlin Reverts to Old Timidity on Military Missions

Over the last 20 years, Germany has taken important steps towards normality, shedding its pacifist doctrine and taking part in combat missions abroad. But Chancellor Angela Merkel's government is undoing that achievement. Its refusal to join foreign deployments is undermining faith in Berlin's reliability.

False Start

Is the New Euro Group Head Up to the Task?

New Euro Group chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem fanned market uncertainty with contradictory statements about the Cyprus rescue and angered colleagues with his glib negotiating style. This never would have happened under his predecessor, say his critics. Is he in over his head?

Bailout Insights

What Cyprus Tells Us about Germany's Character

The Cypriot government was willing to do anything to save its banking industry. Yet Berlin, driven by a deep-seated fear of tax havens, sought the opposite. The resulting deal may have driven a stake through the heart of the euro-zone's much ballyhooed banking union.

A Threat to Relations

Germany Irate over Russian NGO Raids

Russian authorities have targeted German non-profit organizations as part of a crackdown on "foreign agents." Officials are not happy, with Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle's office saying that interfering in their work could create "a sustained effect on bilateral relations."

Malian Coup Leader Sanogo

'I Saved the Country'

Many believe that Mali's de facto leader Amadou Sanogo thrust the country into a deep crisis when he staged a coup a year ago. But that's not how he sees it. In a SPIEGEL interview he says he helped a sick, old regime die, ushering in a new beginning.

Neo-Nazi Terror Trial

No Courtroom Seats for Turkish Media

Media spots are limited for the trial of the last-surviving member of Germany's NSU neo-Nazi terrorist cell, and members of the Turkish media are not among those to be awarded seats. Because most of the murderous trio's victims were Turkish, however, a representative for the victims' families has demanded change.

World from Berlin

Cyprus Chaos 'Doesn't Inspire Hope for EU Future'

With Cyprus racing to install capital controls before re-opening its banks on Thursday, German media commentators say the island has only itself to blame for its plight. They also warn though that the tough bailout terms are a fresh sign of waning solidarity among euro-zone member states.

Kurdish Independence

Negotiations with Turkey Are a Dead End

Last week, imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan called for a ceasefire, lending momentum to the Turkish-Kurdish peace process. But negotiating with Turkey will not satisfy the Kurds' burning need for political self-determination. An Essay by Bejan Matur

Picture This

Saber Rattling