Roberto Abraham Scaruffi

Friday, 31 August 2012

SPIEGEL ONLINE INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER
Compiled on August 31, 2012, 06:17 PM CET
The Domesticated Chancellor

Merkel Shies Away from Direct Criticism in China

Chancellor Angela Merkel used to be unafraid of irking China. These days, though, she has become wary of openly criticizing the country's human rights record or its ongoing support of the regime in Syria. China's growing wealth and Europe's own difficulties, it would seem, have made her less assertive.

The World from Berlin

China's View of Germany Is 'Flattering but Dangerous'

During her two-day visit to China, German Chancellor Angela Merkel tried to get Beijing on board for her efforts to rescue the euro. The Chinese leadership sees Germany as leading the European fight against the crisis. German commentators warn that Berlin should not let itself be seduced by Beijing's attention.

Putting the Plan into Action

How China's Leaders Steer a Massive Nation

There is no question that China is an authoritarian state. But Beijing's efforts to include experts and experiments in the way it governs also help to keep power in check. Once the government supports a project, it normally carries it out -- sometimes on a massive scale. Are there lessons to be taken from the Communist Party's method of governance?

Partial Closure

Chaos as Strikes Ground Planes at Frankfurt Airport

Lufthansa flight attendants walked off the job for eight hours on Friday resulting in over 200 flight cancellations and a temporary ban on incoming flights into Germany's biggest airport. The labor dispute will likely result in more strikes soon.

Man versus Machine

Max Mosley's Battle against Google Hits the Courts

Former Formula One head Max Mosley's name is synonymous with scandal thanks to a British tabloid and, years later, Google. Compromising images can still be found using the search engine, and Mosley has launched a broad legal offensive in Europe to force Google to filter out the photos. It could become a landmark digital-rights case.

'Dictatorship of the Bureaucrats'

Light-Bulb Ban Casts Shadow over EU Democracy

Beginning Saturday, it will be illegal to import or produce traditional incandescent light bulbs in EU member states. The move has upset consumers and many environmentalists, but it serves to highlight the EU's democratic deficiencies.

Libya's Quest for Justice

The Thin Line Between Guilt and Innocence

The search for justice in the new Libya is raising difficult questions about who is to blame for the atrocities of the Gadhafi era, such as the Abu Salim prison massacre. A unique experiment is taking place at one prison, where former inmates confront their torturers.

Recycling Architecture

Biennale Exhibit Argues for Fewer New Buildings

What does an environmentally friendly home look like? The German entry at the Venice Architecture Biennale challenges the common notion that the perfectly insulated passive house is the best approach to reducing energy use. Architect Muck Petzet offers a more radical idea: He argues that we should simply recycle more and build less.

Owner of India's 'Hitler' Store

'We Have Nothing against Jews'

The Jewish community in India is outraged by a men's clothing store that calls itself "Hitler" and uses the swastika in its branding. In an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE, one of the store's co-owners claims to not understand the fuss and says he intends to keep the name.