Topic: Der Spiegel

Bush 'not telling truth' in 'Decision Points' memoir, says German ex-chancellor

George W. Bush's 'Decision Points' memoir is attracting global scrutiny. Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder disputes that he initially offered support for the invasion of Iraq.

Gates: Military force is not the only way to deter Iran

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Monday that American diplomatic and economic efforts to halt Iran's nuclear program need more time, rebuffing Israel's call for military force.

Midterm elections: International media reports on the 'pummeling'

Americans weren't the only ones watching the midterm election returns Tuesday night as Republicans took back the US House of Representatives and Democrats clung to a slight majority in the Senate. We take a look at a few examples of media coverage (and in some cases, a lack of media coverage) beyond the US.

Humongous sinkhole opens up in Germany

A giant sinkhole opened up in a residential area of the town of Schmalkalden, Germany, Monday, causing no injuries but forcing the evacuation of 25 people.

In sign of goodwill, India cheers wildly for Pakistan at Commonwealth Games

India's spontaneous cheers for Pakistan players at the Commonwealth Games has some wondering if the two countries' relationship is entering a less testy phase.

Al Qaeda plot in Europe possibly revealed by German terror suspect

The Al Qaeda plot was reportedly a coordinated Mumbai-style attack on major cities in Britain, France, Germany, and possibly the United States.

Secret German strategy leaked: Plans for peak oil

If the world's supply of oil is maxed out and begins a permanent decline – peak oil – how will world governments respond? Germany's military has a plan in place.

11 countries speaking out against Koran burning in Florida

More than 10 countries have now condemned a Florida pastor's plan to burn the Koran in commemoration of the 9/11 terrorist attacks of nine years ago. As noted in the Monitor article Why the planned Koran burning causes outrage and alarm, "Muslims see it as the uninterrupted, unchangeable, and eternal word of God. Burning the Koran is akin to directly burning the word of God." Here is what leaders are saying worldwide.

Germany considers scrapping the draft

Deployments in Afghanistan have tested the Army's limits and bolstered arguments to scrap the draft and build a smaller, more professional volunteer force.

Afghanistan war: Dutch withdrawal, WikiLeaks don't deter main NATO allies

The Afghanistan war has not been popular in Paris, Berlin, or London. But neither the Dutch withdrawal nor WikiLeaks revelations appears to be a threshold issue for voters.

WikiLeaks reports on Afghanistan: Do they hurt US national security?

WikiLeaks report fictitious, says Pakistan's ex-spy chief Hamid Gul

WikiLeaks' release of classified US documents include claims that Pakistan's former spy chief Hamid Gul ordered attacks against NATO troops. Mr. Gul speaks with the Monitor about the WikiLeaks reports.

The Monitor's View: Wikileaks report of war logs about Afghanistan show why Obama must be on offensive

Wikileaks report of war logs about Afghanistan again puts Obama on the PR defensive about the war. He needs to show more leadership in shaping public opinion.

WikiLeaks report harms national security in Afghanistan, says White House

WikiLeaks has released more than 90,000 classified US reports and documents spanning 2004-2009 detailing Paksitan's collusion with Afghan militants and the Taliban's increasing sophistication. The White House condemned the leak.

Why Russia's Medvedev is blasting ally Kyrgyzstan

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev unexpectedly criticized a government reform vote in Kyrgyzstan that passed Sunday with 91 percent support.

Catholic sex abuse scandal raising doubts for young German Catholics

In Germany, the birthplace of Pope Benedict XVI, the priest sex abuse scandal has shaken many young Catholics' trust in the church, if not their faith. The man who initially inspired a new 'Benedict generation' is now seen as out of touch.

Afghanistan war: Kandahar hit by two car bombs

Two large car bombs exploded in Kandahar Thursday night killing two Afghans and wounding dozens.The attacks come ahead of a major NATO offensive in the Afghanistan war.

Hezbollah denies responsibility for truck bomb blast that killed Hariri

Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, leader of the militant Shiite group Hezbollah, said Wednesday his group was not behind the 2005 truck bomb blast that killed Lebanon's former prime minister. Many fear instability if an investigating tribunal issues indictments in the Hariri assassination against Hezbollah officials.

Greece bailout: What's the future of the euro?

The Greece bailout package agreed to by European leaders and the International Monetary Fund last week decreases the likelihood of a Greek government default. But the wrangling over the bailout -- and the steps that left Greece in a financial hole -- raise questions about the prospects for the stability of the euro.

Will German Catholic church abuse case reach Pope Benedict?

Investigations into charges of sexual and physical abuse of children by German Catholic priests are getting under way, and involve a choir run by Pope Benedict's brother. Did the pontiff know about the allegations when he was a bishop in his home country? "We do not know," a German Catholic church spokesman said.

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.

Iran move to defrock dissident ayatollah opens rifts in theocracy

Iran said Saturday that the edicts of Ayatollah Yusuf Sanei were no longer religiously binding. The mandate has sparked serious disputes among clerical groups.

Is Russia playing both sides on Iran nukes?

Russia signals that it is open to tougher sanctions on Iran, which has failed to respond to an international uranium deal. But rogue scientists in Russia may be continuing to help Iran pursue a nuclear program.

Will the future of green energy sprout from the dry, arid Sahara Desert?