A CONTROVERSIAL PARAGON
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Europe Shudders at Germany's New-Found Power
Germany, admired and envied for its economic success, has become a model
for Europe in the debt crisis. The Continent is becoming more German as
countries get serious about fiscal discipline. But the nation's new
dominance is also stirring resentment, and old anti-German sentiments
are returning. By SPIEGEL Staff
http://www.spiegel.de/
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'COMPLETELY EXAGGERATED'
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EU Leaders Angry at Standard and Poor's Ratings Warning
Ratings agency Standard and Poor's has piled pressure on EU leaders to
come up with a deal to save the euro, warning that it may downgrade 15
of 17 euro-zone countries -- including powerhouse Germany. EU
politicians have criticized the move. But the agency on Tuesday added
that it may downgrade the euro bailout fund as well.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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EURO CRISIS UNCERTAINTY
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Anxious Greeks Emptying Their Bank Accounts
Many Greeks are draining their savings accounts because they are out of
work, face rising taxes or are afraid the country will be forced to
leave the euro zone. By withdrawing money, they are forcing banks to
scale back their lending -- and are inadvertently making the recession
even worse.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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DESPERATELY SEEKING CAPITAL
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Berlin May Have to Nationalize Giant Commerzbank
Europe's banks urgently need fresh capital to meet tougher EU rules, but
they will have problems raising it amid the current crisis of confidence
plaguing the euro zone. The survival of Commerzbank, Germany's
second-largest bank, is at stake, and Berlin is considering a full
nationalization of the bank if necessary.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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MISSILE DEFENSE SPAT
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A New Arms Race Looms between Russia and US
The US and Russia intended to "reset" their relations under US President
Barack Obama. Instead, however, the two countries continue to squabble
over the planned missile shield, which Washington insists is to protect
against attack from Iran. The debate shows signs of turning into a new
arms race.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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1944 MASSACRE IN FRANCE
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German Police Raid Homes of Six Former SS Soldiers
German officials have raided the homes of six former SS soldiers
suspected of taking part in the massacre of 642 French civilians in
1944, prosecutors said this week. But the investigation may not get far.
Little evidence was found, and the suspects were either unfit for
interrogation or denied the allegations.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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Photo Gallery: Remembering Oradour-sur-Glane
http://www.spiegel.de/
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MORE VICTIMS ELIGIBLE
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Rules Revised for Holocaust Survivor Compensation
Holocaust survivors around the world are eligible for tens of thousands
of euros in compensation from Germany following an agreement negotiated
by the Jewish Claims Conference. More than 16,000 people are eligible
for pensions after Germany agreed to revise payment conditions, the
organization said.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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A REVELATION
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Joseph of Nazareth Arrives on Twitter
Jesus may have millions of followers worldwide, but Joseph of Nazareth
isn't doing too poorly himself -- on Twitter at least. An anonymous
poster in Germany is taking a new look at the Nativity, and is
micro-blogging it from the perspective of Mary's man.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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THE WORLD FROM BERLIN
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Vladimir Putin's Russia 'Is Decaying'
Russian Prime Minister cum president Vladimir Putin had his wings
clipped by the Sunday parliamentary elections, despite apparent efforts
to manipulate the vote. He may now be forced to inject more democracy
into his rule, but some German commentators say critics should be
careful what they wish for.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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Photo Gallery: Post-Election Protests in Russia
http://www.spiegel.de/
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PICTURE THIS
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Boogieman
http://www.spiegel.de/
