Roberto Abraham Scaruffi

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DEBT CRISIS MYTH
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Why Germany Isn't Benefiting from Euro's Woes
There is a widespread belief that Germany is the big winner of the euro
crisis, as investors stash their money in the euro zone's last safe
haven, driving interest rates on German bonds down to record lows. But
the idea is just a myth. Indeed, the crisis could end up costing Berlin
dearly.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,813667,00.html#ref=nlint

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THE WORLD FROM BERLIN
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'The Greatest Danger to Merkel Bears the Name Hollande'
Angela Merkel's decision to campaign on behalf of French President
Sarkozy has infuriated the German opposition, with some warning that it
could damage German-French ties. But German commentators say that the
bigger threat is posed by Sarkozy's Socialist challenger Francois
Hollande.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,813835,00.html#ref=nlint

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OPINION
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It's Time To End the Greek Rescue Farce
Whether it be an escrow account or a budget commissioner, the latest
demands by Germany show just how absurd negotiations over Greece's
future have become. It is high time to bring an end to this tragicomedy.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,813919,00.html#ref=nlint

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UNWANTED GUESTS
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German Foundations In Crosshairs Abroad
The foundations affiliated with Germany's major political parties are
playing an important role in the upheavals in the Middle East,
attracting the attention of the region's rulers -- and making them the
targets of harassment. The organizations' troubles are by no means
limited to Egypt, where the offices of one German organization were
recently searched.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,813659,00.html#ref=nlint

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KREMLIN'S TOUGH TOP DIPLOMAT
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Russian Foreign Minister Is Nobody's Fool
Sergey Lavrov has reaped massive criticism for Moscow's veto of the UN
Security Council resolution on Syria, but the Russian foreign minister
remains unmoved. The top diplomat, who met with Syrian President Bashar
Assad in Damascus on Tuesday, has a track record of standing up to the
West.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,813780,00.html#ref=nlint

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NEW ALLEGATION AGAINST PRESIDENT
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Wulff Received Discount on Personal Car Lease
German President Christian Wulff, accused of using his public office for
personal gain, is facing a new controversy. In 2010, when he was still a
state governor, he received a discount on a Skoda SUV he leased. Critics
say the head of state's behavior is undermining efforts to fight
corruption.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,813533,00.html#ref=nlint

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DEADLY COLD SNAP
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European Deep Freeze Refuses to Relent
The cold snap which has held Europe in its grip for over a week has yet
to relent. Several countries have reported rising numbers of casualties
as a result of the deep freeze. Holland, meanwhile, hopes the cold
continues long enough to hold the mythical ice-skating race called
Elfstedentocht.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,813908,00.html#ref=nlint

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Photo Gallery: Freeze Frame
http://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/fotostrecke-78306.html#ref=nlint


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EXILE IN CHILE
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Former East German Leader's Wife Is Homesick
She may be "tough" and "sporty," but the exiled widow of East Germany's
former leader still misses home. Margot Honecker longs for the forests
and wild mushrooms of Germany, the author of a new book about her
husband says.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,813785,00.html#ref=nlint

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WATCHING THE OPPOSITION
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Two Alleged Syrian Spies Arrested in Germany
Two men have been arrested in Berlin for allegedly spying on members of
the Syrian opposition in Germany, prosecutors said Tuesday. Officials
were also searching the homes of six others suspected of similar
activities. The arrests came amid international outrage at Syria's
violent crackdown on opposition.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,813806,00.html#ref=nlint

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PICTURE THIS
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Makeshift Magic


http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,813915,00.html#ref=nlint