EUROPE'S DEBT CRISIS
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ECB Hints at Help Pending Euro-Zone Integration
France wants the European Central Bank to buy bonds. Germany wants
greater fiscal discipline to be anchored in euro-zone treaties. ECB
chief Mario Draghi hinted on Thursday that both might get their way. But
treaty changes must come first.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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THE WORLD FROM BERLIN
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'Central Banks' Coordinated Move Has Solved Nothing'
Global stock markets on Wednesday were euphoric after the major central
banks around the world made it easier for banks to access dollars. But
the euro-zone debt crisis rages on nonetheless. At the most, say German
commentators, Wednesday's move merely buys some time -- but not much.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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RUSSIAN ELECTION
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The Kremlin's Dangerous Flirtation with Nationalism
Ahead of Russia's parliamentary elections on Sunday, the pro-Kremlin
parties are using nationalist rhetoric in a bid to exploit growing
right-wing sentiment in the country. But it's a dangerous game. If the
far right gets stronger, it could pose a threat to Vladimir Putin.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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RUSSIAN OPPOSITION LEADER
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'Putin Wants To Govern for the Rest of His Life'
In a SPIEGEL interview, Russia's most prominent opposition politician,
Boris Nemtsov, explains why he considers Sunday's elections in the
country to be a farce, why he believes Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is
arrogant and how he perceives President Dmitry Medvedev to be a failure.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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THE REPUBLICANS' FARCICAL CANDIDATES
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A Club of Liars, Demagogues and Ignoramuses
The US Republican race is dominated by ignorance, lies and scandals. The
current crop of candidates have shown such a basic lack of knowledge
that they make George W. Bush look like Einstein. The Grand Old Party is
ruining the entire country's reputation.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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ON SHAKY GROUND
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Famous Leaning Church Tower Set For Demolition
The people of Bad Frankenhausen have been fighting to save their famous
leaning church tower for years. Now things have reached the tipping
point. The Protestant church authority slated it for demolition this
week after the town failed to secure funding to stabilize its collapsing
landmark. But the mayor has vowed to fight on.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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Photo Gallery: Bad Frankenhausen's Crooked Church Tower
http://www.spiegel.de/
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EAST GERMANY'S MOST FAMOUS WRITER
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Acclaimed Author Christa Wolf Dies at 82
Christa Wolf was one of Germany's most significant postwar writers, one
who chronicled life in the the communist East. She passed away Thursday
at 82 and leaves behind a controversial legacy. She will be remembered
as a great writer, but also for collaborating briefly with the East
German secret police.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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Photo Gallery: Remembering Christa Wolf
http://www.spiegel.de/
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BURMA AWAKENS
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Newfound Freedoms Raise Hopes at Home and Abroad*
For years, Burma's ruling junta has violently crushed its pro-democracy
opponents. But now the pariah state is releasing political prisoners,
tolerating open dissent and granting new freedoms to opposition
politicians and foreign investors. Is this merely a tactical maneuver or
a sign of genuine change?
http://www.spiegel.de/
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PICTURE THIS
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Fire Work
http://www.spiegel.de/
