Thursday, 18 August 2011

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THE MYSTERY OF MIKHAIL
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Gorbachev's Ambiguous Legacy
Was Mikhail Gorbachev the greatest reformer of the 20th century? Or did
he rise to the position of Communist Party leader more or less by
accident, only to cause the collapse of the Soviet Union through
indecision and fear? Twenty years after perestroika, the politician's
legacy is still disputed.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,781043,00.html#ref=nlint

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THE PIZKUNY WALL
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An Iron Curtain in the East
The collapse of the Soviet Union divided a community on the border
between Lithuania and Belarus. Now the village straddles a more
significant border, between the eastern EU and Europe's last
dictatorship. But where are people happier?

http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,780803,00.html#ref=nlint

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Photo Gallery: The New Edge of Europe
http://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/fotostrecke-71711.html#ref=nlint


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OPINION
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A Society on the Verge of a Meltdown
The riots in London are a social Fukushima for the Western world. Should
we really be suprised that an increase in wealth for just a few,
accompanied by simultaneous impoverishment of the masses, could not
continue unabated?

http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,780991,00.html#ref=nlint

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ARSON IN BERLIN
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Car Burnings are a 'Precursor to Terrorism'
The last three nights have seen an unprecedented wave of car torchings
in Berlin, but police are not sure who to arrest. Politicians on the
left and right warn the attacks could lead to more dangerous forms of
protest. Meanwhile, the failure to stop them could sway September's
mayoral election.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,780965,00.html#ref=nlint

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THE WORLD FROM BERLIN
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'Merkel-Sarkozy Plan Already on Shaky Footing'
Earlier this week, Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy proposed yet
another set of measures for containing Europe's debt crisis and taming
the markets. They were meant to be big and bold. Two days on, German
commentators are still in the dark on details -- and doubts over the
plan persist.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,781021,00.html#ref=nlint

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PLAYING WITH DYNAMITE
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Will Merkel's Coalition Hinder Euro Rescue?
In light of the crisis in the European Union, German Chancellor Angela
Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy would like to see further
integration, including a euro-zone economic government. But it is
precisely Germany that has sought to protect itself from transferring
additional powers to Brussels.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,781077,00.html#ref=nlint

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'PURE SYMBOLISM'
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The Great Debt-Brake Swindle
Germany and France want all the euro-zone countries to enact
balanced-budget amendments. While that might sound sweet to Angela
Merkel's conservative coalition, the plan is triggering massive
resistance in southern euro-zone countries. Even if they get their
bombshell wish, it could ultimately be a dud.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,781069,00.html#ref=nlint

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HAIFA'S HELPING HAND
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Retirement Home Supports Impoverished Holocaust Survivors
Many Holocaust survivors living in Israel spend what should be their
golden years in a state of poverty. A retirement home in Haifa that
opened in 2010 is lending a helping hand to one of the country's
neediest groups. The project is being largely funded by Christians, with
the assistance of volunteers from Germany.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,759733,00.html#ref=nlint

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RUNNING FOR THE BORDER
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Flight Tax Pushes Germans to Tiny Dutch Airport
The recent introduction of a flight tax has inspired hundreds of
thousands of Germans to avoid airports in their own country. Instead
many are saving money by using a small, but now booming, airport across
the border in the Netherlands.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,781059,00.html#ref=nlint

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PICTURE THIS
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Shadow Puppets


http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,781047,00.html#ref=nlint

Syria bloodshed continues; Cameron considers curfews and restrictions; China launches first aircraft carrier

At least 25 people have been killed and many others injured after Syrian warships and tanks opened fire on the port city of Latakia, as the humanitarian crisis in Syria continues to worsen.
British Prime Minister David Cameron announced that curfew measures and restrictions on social media websites will be considered following days of rioting in London and other English towns and cities.
China's first aircraft carrier began its inaugural sea trial, a mission that underscores Beijing's naval ambitions and raises concern about its military influence in regional territorial disputes.

Africa

Missile launch against rebels marks first use of a ballistic weapon by Libyan troops since conflict began in March.
Opposition says its forces have reached Al-Heisha and continues to isolate the Libyan capital of Tripoli.

Americas

A Guatemalan army unit is waging war on Mexico's cartels, but some of its soldiers have swapped sides.
California transit provider interrupted wireless mobile service to hamper protesters angry over police shooting.

Asia-Pacific

China recalls bullet trains in rail overhaul, another blow to the country's high-speed rail network.
Bali bomb suspect who may have helped lead US to Osama bin Laden extradited to Indonesia.

Central & South Asia

US general says Afghan fighters who shot at helicopter which crashed leaving 38 personnel dead have been "dealt with".
Pakistani paramilitary soldier who was filmed shooting an unarmed young man at point blank is sentenced to death.

Europe

Almost 600 people appear in court over unrest, as police chief defends force's handling of riots in the British capital.
Turkish shopkeepers in east London neighbourhood refuse to close, stand up to rioters and guard the streets.

Middle East

Trial against toppled Egyptian leader to resume next month but judge says proceedings will no longer be televised.
Libya rebels control some residential areas outside oil port city Brega, as they capture the western town of Tawurgha.