Germany

Amid Greek debt crisis, Iceland still recovering from its own collapse

While Greece battles its debt crisis, Iceland is gearing up for a referendum on whether its taxpayers will shoulder the burden of paying back billions of dollars of debt.
EU promises help for Greece, but euro falls in absence of bailout

European Union (EU) leaders promised on Thursday that they stand waiting to help debt-laden Greece, if needed. But the euro declined as investors worried about the lack of a clear commitment to a bailout package.
In debt crisis, Greeks resigned to day of reckoning

Polls show that nearly two-thirds of Greeks support austerity measures to deal with the Greece debt crisis. But taxi drivers, facing new gas taxes, went on strike Thursday.
Will Europe step in to bail out Greece?

European Union leaders gathering for a crucial summit Thursday face tough choices: come to Greece’s rescue with the first ever bail out of a eurozone state or hold back and see if Greek spending cuts and reforms can avert a default.
Global News Blog
Stocks rally on news of possible Greece bailout. What comes next?

Stocks rallied in the US and in Europe on Tuesday on expectations of an emergency European Union bailout for Greece. But Greece, with a ballooning national debt, is not out of the woods yet.
Global News Blog
Priest bridges religious divide

The cooperation between Rev. Franz Meurer and Iranian Navid Kermani illustrates how far Germany has gone in accepting its booming Muslim minority.
Terrorism & Security
Afghanistan war: Why US disappointed by Germany troop levels

Germany announced it would to send up to 850 troops, to Afghanistan, one day after French President Sarkozy said he would send no more troops. The US had hoped for a much larger commitment.
Global News Blog
Most German Muslims don't wear headscarves, says report on integration

The recent study also found many German Muslims are well-integrated into society, joining soccer and senior citizens' clubs.
Why German public schools now teach Islam

Public schools in Germany must offer religion classes, and pilot courses in Islam are now being offered in addition to established programs in Judaism, Catholicism, and Protestantism.
Global News Blog
Germany: To protect tradition, no shopping on Advent Sundays

Germany's highest court ruled that stores must stay closed on Advent Sundays so Germans can spend those days, as many traditionally do, going on walks and sitting for coffee and cake.
John Demjanjuk, alleged Nazi death camp guard, goes on trial in Germany

John Demjanjuk, who prosecutors alleged worked as a Nazi guard at the Sobibor death camp, went on trial in Germany Monday. His is likely the last high profile case over WWII war crimes.
Germany arrests Congo rebel leaders

Two Rwandan Hutu rebel leaders were arrested by Germany, charged with directing war crimes. Could this mark a turning point in Congo conflict?
Global News Blog
At Berlin Wall fall celebration, old allies ask where is Obama?

As leaders and revelers celebrate the fall of the Berlin Wall 20 years ago, President Barack Obama's absence is one of several diplomatic wrinkles marring the event.
Global News Blog
Germany: Time for Egypt's Nefertiti bust to go home?

A German museum has a bust of the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti as its centerpiece. But should Germany and other Western nations keep or return Egypt's cultural artifacts?
Global News Blog
Taliban to Germany: Leave Afghanistan or lose Oktoberfest

The insurgents' threat to bomb the famous festival is apparently meant to weaken Germany's resolve for the fight in Afghanistan. It follows similar warnings issued by the Taliban and Al Qaeda ahead of Sunday's elections.
Merkel hails victory in Germany vote

Voters enabled Chancellor Angela Merkel to form a politically comfortable 'center-right' coalition with the pro-business, tax-cutting Free Democratic Party (FDP).
Global News Blog
Germany after the fall of the wall: Trabi revived as electric car

Shunned for Western cars after the Iron Curtain was lifted, the iconic car is back.
Global News Blog
In Germany, an ovation for 'Inglourious Basterds'

The film – opening in 22 countries this weekend – is so far from reality that it allows the audience to let go and accept the movie in all its entertaining absurdity.
Germans wary as mosque rises in Cologne

Plans to build the largest mosque in the country highlight a fundamental demographic change that some fear poses a threat to Europe's Christian culture.
Message to Zimbabwean prime minister: aid is linked to improved human rights

On visits to the US, Europe, and Scandinavia, Morgan Tsvangirai asks for more aid – and says progress is being made.
Greece faces bleak tourism forecast

Summer bookings have dropped across Europe as travelers head to cheaper spots.
Why Germans are starting to strike – like the French

Day-care workers are on strike this week as Germany's model labor union system shows signs of unraveling.
With the pursuit of Demjanjuk, Germany seeks justice and a measure of redemption

The suspected Nazi death camp guard was flown to Munich Tuesday. His may be the country's last World War II war-crimes trial.
German lawyers launch pirate defense team

The tangled case involves Somali pirates, a German ship, an overcrowded Kenyan prison, and allegations of human rights abuses.
Many small businesses in Germany thrive during downturn

From roofers to bakers, the entrepreneurial class that helped the country rebuild after the war eases the impact of the recession.