Roberto Abraham Scaruffi

Tuesday, 31 July 2012


SPIEGEL ONLINE INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER
Compiled on July 31, 2012, 06:13 PM CET
Israel's Red Line

Fate of Syrian Chemical Weapons May Trigger War

As the battle against Syrian rebels reaches a new stage, Israel is worried that President Assad might use his vast arsenal of chemical weapons against his own people or neighbors -- or perhaps even give some to Hezbollah. Though many experts view this as unlikely, Israel is still weighing whether to strike.

Tour de Gaffes

Romney Flops in Europe

He's only been abroad for a week, but the Palestinians are accusing him of racism, the Brits are annoyed and Polish union leaders don't like him. Mitt Romney's trip to Europe and the Middle East has been marred by one fumble after the next.

Spain's Corruption Capital

Trial Highlights Extent of Building Boom Sleaze

Spain's construction boom attracted many hustlers, particularly to the Costa del Sol's luxury resort town of Marbella. But now a singer's high-profile trial for bribery and money laundering is exposing the extent of the abuses and turning the city into a symbol of the consequences of an unsustainable growth model.

Deepening Crisis

Spain Reports Record Capital Flight

Capital outflows from Spain quadrupled in May to €41.3 billion from May 2011 in a sign of waning confidence in the country's ailing banking sector. In the first five months of this year, outflows reached a record €163 billion, according to figures from the country's central bank.

Rescue Fund Controversy

France and Italy Seek Ultimate Firepower for ESM

Several leading euro-zone countries want to provide the euro bailout fund with the power to obtain unlimited credit from the European Central Bank to prevent the need for a full-fledged Spanish bailout and calm the markets, according to media reports. In Berlin, German politicians still oppose the proposal.

The World from Berlin

'Romania's Fighters Moving on to Next Round'

Some had hoped that Romania's referendum on Sunday would begin to heal its deep political divide. But those hopes have been dashed. Neither the president nor the prime minister seem willing to relent, which could be disastrous for the country, German commentators write on Tuesday.

Clean Slate for Dopers

Banned Athletes Get Second Chance at the Olympics

Athletes with past doping suspensions are being allowed to compete in London thanks to recent rulings by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. While reformed athletes argue they deserve another chance, critics say their transgressions tarnish the Olympic spirit of sportsmanship.

Ebb and Flow

Great Britain's Ever-Changing Coasts

With all the attention focused on the London Olympics, it's easy to forget about the natural splendors Britain has to offer. Wherever you head, you always end up at the sea. A new photo book shows how the tides change the face of the country's spectacular coastline every few hours.

Royal Blue Burial

A Final Resting Place for Schalke Fans

For fans of Germany's FC Schalke 04, support for the professional football team could soon become eternal. A company is planning to open a cemetery dedicated to Schalke's supporters this autumn. Prices for plots in the so-called "fan field" start at over 5,000 euros.

Picture This

Mostar Madness