| SPIEGEL ONLINE | INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER |
| Compiled on December 09, 2013, 06:36 PM CET |
| THE SHOWDOWN Ukrainian Opposition Faces Test of Strength The Ukrainian opposition, led by heavyweight boxer Vitali Klitschko, is fueling the resistance movement against the government, and yet has no plan for moving forward. The government in Kiev, confident of victory, is sharpening its tone. |
| 'BRUSSELS WAS NAÏVE' Ex Polish Leader on Failed Ukraine Talks Aleksander Kwaniewski led talks with Ukraine for an association agreement with the EU that collapsed last month. In an interview, he criticizes officials in Brussels for underestimating Russia's intentions and the Ukrainian president for ignoring his own people. |
| OPINION Tough on Russia, Easy on America When it comes to their approach to foreign policy with Russia, German Chancellor Merkel and President Gauck aren't messing around. Perhaps it has to do with their backgrounds in East Germany. They show the US significantly more leniency. |
| RECORD TRADE German Exports Reach All-Time High German exports have hit a new record, reaching 99.1 billion in October. There is little reason for renewed criticism of German economic policy, however, because imports grew at an even greater pace. |
| TELECOMS BOSS US 'Should Abide by European Privacy Rules' The head of German Internet giant Deutsche Telekom has criticized European reaction to the NSA spying scandal and demanded the EU set international privacy standards. US technology players also published an open letter calling for major changes to spying laws. |
| WORLD FROM BERLIN President's Sochi Boycott 'Sets an Example' German President Joachim Gauck's office has informed the Kremlin he will not be attending the Sochi Olympics in February. German newspapers view his protest of Russian human rights violations as a moral decision by the German head of state. |
| CHRISTMAS MARKETS Watch Out for Weak Glühwein Mulled wine is a staple of German Christmas markets, but experts warn that consumers should beware of poor quality. Overcooking the beverage was found to have reduced alcohol content and flavor in more than one in ten mugs in Berlin. |
| PICTURE THIS An Education |
