Midtown Blogger/Manhattan Valley Follies: Der Spiegel

The West's Dilemma: Why Assad Is Uninterested in Defeating Islamic State

In the fight against Islamic State, the West is considering cooperating with the Syrian army. There's a hitch though: Assad's troops aren't just too weak to defeat IS -- they also have no interest in doing so. By Christoph Reuter more... [ Comment ]

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Under the Scope

Slippery SlopeAre German Ground Troops Inevitable in Syria?

Germany has approved the deployment of reconnaissance planes, a frigate and support personnel to support the fight against Islamic State in Syria. Experts say IS can't be defeated with air strikes alone. Will Germany ultimately be forced to send in ground troops? By Gordon Repinski and Christoph Schult more... [ Comment ]

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The BeachheadIslamic State Uses Libya to Gain African Foothold

The Islamic State is using the same strategy it deployed in Syria in order to expand its territory in North Africa. Libya has become the center of its deadly activities in the region. By Christoph Reuter more... [ Comment ]

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Munich Olympic Terrorist AttacksGerman Ex-Interior Minister Disputes Torture Claims

Were the victims of the terrorist attacks on the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich tortured? Their relatives claim they were, but the evidence suggests otherwise. Then-German Interior Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher disputes the reports. By Einat Keinan and Klaus Wiegrefemore... [ Comment ]

12/06/2015 from turnipseed: What really matters is this. Islamic extremists are vile brutes, obviously even worse than the... more...

European SatellitesHow Islamic State Takes Its Terror To the Web

Islamic State is a master at using the Internet to spread propaganda. SPIEGEL ONLINE research indicates European companies may be providing the terrorist organization Internet access by satellite dish.By Nicolai Kwasniewski more... [ Comment ]

12/05/2015 from hala_chaoui: This shows how complacent european and Turkish intelligence services are regarding ISIS, and Turkey...more...

Interview with Afghan President Ghani'I Have To Hold Our Country Together'

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is calling for greater support for Afghanistan, where the Taliban's strength is growing. The fact that tens of thousands are fleeing his country to Europe is likely to be a major topic of his meeting with Chancellor Merkel on Thursday. Interview Conducted by Susanne Koelbl in Kabul, Afghanistan more... [ Comment ]

Yesterday at 04:48 AM from fahim_safi_akram: I am curious to know Susanne Koelbl's take on Mr. Ghani's state of mind and whether or not she... more...

The Terminal PatientIs Bloomberg's Return Bad for Bloomberg?

Since Michael Bloomberg retook the reins of his empire, he has laid off top journalists and embarked on a radical restructuring program. The multibillionaire's leadership has become imperious and unpredictable -- out of fear for the future of his life's work. By Isabell Huelsen and Holger Stark more... [ Comment ]

12/03/2015 from nsmith: The man is a meglomaniac whose lust for control knows no bounds. He voted himself in as Mayor of... more...

Going for Broke in ParisIt's Now or Never for the Climate

This week, the most important event of the year began: 195 countries are negotiating the future of our planet in Paris. The world's most powerful leaders must now demand sacrifices from their citizens in order to save the climate. A Commentary by Florian Harms more... [ Comment ]

12/06/2015 from 'Nother-Son-'O-UrsusRexx: Either our hominid_species learns to clean, up after Itself, or Earth will sigh... As It's done,... more...

The Right StuffMarine Le Pen and the Growing Influence of Front National

Marine Le Pen has managed to pull the Front National from the extremist fringe into the political center. The right-wing populists could even emerge as France's strongest party in upcoming regional elections. But the real prize is in 2017. By Julia Amalia Heyer more... [ Comment ]

Photo Gallery: Uprising on the Right

Yesterday at 08:31 AM from JohnAndrews: Starting the article with a comment on le Pen's clothing is sexist. Not spelling out the implicit...more...

EU Parliament President Schulz'The Situation in Europe Is Extremely Concerning'

In an interview, European Parliament President Martin Schulz says he is more concerned about the state of the European Union than he has ever been. Solidarity, he believes, is eroding and nation-state parochialism is on the rise. Interview Conducted by Horand Knaup and Peter Müllermore... [ Comment ]

12/05/2015 from spon-facebook-10000503175: Turkey is now being financed by the EU while attacking it's neighbours and buying Isis oil which... more...

Ex-US Intelligence Chief on Islamic State's Rise'We Were Too Dumb'

Without the Iraq war, Islamic State wouldn't exist today, former US special forces chief Mike Flynn openly admits. In an interview, he explains IS' rise to become a professional force and how the Americans allowed its future leader to slip out of their hands. Interview Conducted By Matthias Gebauer and Holger Stark more... [ Comment ]