Roberto Abraham Scaruffi

Friday 27 September 2013

SPIEGEL ONLINE INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER
Compiled on September 27, 2013, 06:18 PM CET
Video Games and Cigarettes

Syria's Disneyland for Jihadists

Foreign Islamists coming into Syria have been gathering in the relatively quiet north. But many of them are finding transit towns -- with good food, video games and smoking -- preferable to the front. When they do end up fighting, it's often with each other.

Austria Votes

Small Parties Could Unsettle Vienna

A grand coalition has ruled Austria for almost seven years and most of the postwar period. But rising support for upstart and populist parties could disrupt that trend after Sunday's parliamentary elections.

Kidnapped in Syria

Man Held by Jihadists without a Plan

Septegenarian Ziad Nouri spent more than three months in the hands of jihadist kidnappers in Syria. His story highlights the problem of abductions in a country fractured by civil war and upstart foreign Islamists without a plan.

Jihad Tourists

How Dangerous Are Syria's Foreign Fighters?

Once just a small group, now there are several thousand foreign jihadist fighters present in Syria today. Though some rebel leaders say their presence does pose a danger, the impact of these groups is often exaggerated by the Western media.

Meatless in Munich

Oktoberfest Introduces Vegan Food Options

For some 200 years, Oktoberfest has been all about copious amounts of beer and meat. But, this year, organizers are breaking with tradition and reaching out to visitors with dietary restrictions by offering vegan dishes and even vegan wine.

Cutting Controversy

German Court Sets New Circumcision Rules

In the latest twist in a controversy that has divided Germans, a regional court has ruled that doctors need to discuss circumcision procedures with the child before they can be carried out.

Flipper Fail

Dolphins May be Dumber Than We Think

For decades, it's been common knowledge that dolphins are among the world's smartest species. Now some researchers -- and a new book -- argue the supposed underwater geniuses aren't so special after all.

New UN Report

Climate Change Inaction Must End

More than 800 experts from 195 countries have collaborated on the UN's lengthy new report on climate change. Despite points of scientific contention, the study uncovers worrying developments. Instead of arguing over the details, it's time the international community finally takes action.

Picture This

Still Life with Hippos