MERKEL AND THE CRISIS
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The Demolition Lady Strikes Again
With Thursday's decisions in Brussels, Europe has made good progress
towards saving the euro. This is in large part due to the work of the
German chancellor. Angela Merkel's approach -- to decelerate rather than
succumb to panic -- is starting to pay off.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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AGREEMENT IN BRUSSELS
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Europe Slashes Greek Debt by 50 Percent
Meeting late into the night, euro-zone leaders agreed to reduce Greece's
vast debt burden by half. In addition, the euro backstop fund will be
boosted to over a trillion euros. Europe hopes the measures will finally
put an end to the spread of the debt crisis.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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Photo Gallery: Europe Meets to Save the Euro
http://www.spiegel.de/
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LATE-NIGHT DEAL IN BRUSSELS
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Euro Zone Frees Greece of Half its Debts
After nearly 11 hours of talks, European leaders reached a breakthrough
on Thursday morning. The euro-zone states have concluded a deal that
will see banks give Greece a 50-percent debt haircut and governments
provide billions of euros in taxpayer money for the bailout of the
common currency. However, details remain vague about plans to leverage
the euro backstop fund.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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AN APOCRYPHAL APOLOGY
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Merkel Denies Saying Sorry to Berlusconi
Angela Merkel's spokesman is denying Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's
claim that the chancellor apologized to him in Brussels on Wednesday.
That, though, may not be the worst news of the day for the Italian
leader. He also faces significant domestic opposition to the reforms he
has promised to undertake.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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POCKET BOOKS AND PRAYER BEADS
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WWI Grave Find Tells Story Germans Want To Forget
Archaeologists in France recently discovered the remains of 21 German
soldiers from World War I in an underground shelter that hasn't been
touched since the day it was destroyed by French shells 93 years ago.
Pocket books and prayer beads tell stories of life in the trenches --
but Germany doesn't want to hear them.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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MAGNIFICENCE MEETS MODERNITY
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Bolshoi Rebirth Has Traditionalists Up in Arms
The Bolshoi is the pinnacle of the Russian theater world. Following a
six-year renovation, fans are thrilled to see the dazzling new building.
But new onstage performances have dampened the enthusiasm.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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Photo Gallery: The Reopening of the Bolshoi Theater
http://www.spiegel.de/
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GERMANY'S LONGEST SUBWAY
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Billions Upon Billions for Berlin-Munich Bullet Train
The new rail route being built between Berlin and Munich is nothing if
not ambitious -- as well as being the most expensive transportation
project to take shape since reunification. But the line is yet another
example of how France beats Germany in the high-speed rail game and
critics say its costs may not justify the advantages it will bring.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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Photo Gallery: The Controversial New Berlin-Munich Train Line
http://www.spiegel.de/
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UNDERWATER LAVA
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Eruptions Could Create New Island in the Canaries
What would the island be called? And who would own it? Spewing magma and
growing in height, an underwater volcano off the Canary Island of El
Hierro has captured the imagination of locals in recent weeks. It could
eventually rise from the sea to create a new part of the archipelago.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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Photo Gallery: Could a New Canary Island Be in the Making?
http://www.spiegel.de/
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A CHEERFUL PRISONER
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Art Forger All Smiles After Guilty Plea Seals Deal
The trial in the most spectacular case of art forgery ever seen in
Germany is over -- and ringleader Wolfgang Beltracchi can be happy with
the outcome. Because of his confession, the millionaire fraudster has
been given a virtual slap on the wrist, while the truth has been
sacrificed for a deal.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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THE WORLD FROM BERLIN
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Military Reforms Are 'Sad, But Inevitable'
Though communities will suffer, plans to eliminate and downsize
Bundeswehr bases as part of ongoing German military reforms were widely
accepted without criticism this week. Newspapers on Thursday attributed
much of this reaction to the delicate consideration of Defense Minister
de Maizičre.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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PICTURE THIS
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Hoping against Hope
http://www.spiegel.de/
