International

THE WORLD FROM BERLIN

'The Coordinated Rate Cuts Change Little'

Markets seemed slightly more stable on Thursday, a day after central banks around the world lowered interest rates in a concerted effort. But will the rate cut ultimately have the desired effect? Many German commentators are pessimistic. more...

THE WORLD FROM BERLIN

'Iceland Should Serve as a Warning'

Germany's financial system is far too solid to suffer the near meltdown facing Reykjavik, but Iceland should nonetheless serve as a warning, German media commentators write. more...

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Gallows Humor

INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE

Police Release Terror Suspects in Bonn

Citing insufficient evidence, officials have released two terror suspects in Bonn who were arrested after boarding a KLM flight at the Cologne airport just over a week ago. The investigation, however, is continuing. more...

RISKY TIMES IN MOSCOW

The Credit Crisis Hits Russia

Foreign investors are fleeing, bank lending is down, and growth is slowing in Russia. By Jason Bush more...

OPINION

Clearing Up the Credit Crisis European- Style

The European approach to dealing with the credit crisis might strike many as less tidy than that of the US. In the end, though, it might be just as effective. By Luuk van Middelaar more...

SETBACK FOR WARSAW

EU Parliament Says Energy Utilities Should Pay for Emissions

In a key vote on Tuesday, the European Parliament's environment committee affirmed plans for an emissions trading system. Brussels' only elected body says utility companies who pollute with coal should pay the full price for certificates, but gives other industries a break as recession approaches. more...

THE LONE RANGER

McCain Unleashes the Attack Dogs

The mudslinging is starting to get serious in the US election. John McCain is getting more and more open in his efforts to discredit his rival through dubious accusations. Hang in there Obama, argues SPIEGEL ONLINE blogger Peter Ross Range. more... [ Forum ]

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Old World Charm

GUILTY BY ASSOCIATION

Crisis Stalls McCain's Presidential Campaign

John McCain's chances of winning the White House are getting slimmer and slimmer. After a series of gaffes, his running mate has fallen back down to Earth and the financial crisis has exhausted the supply of rabbits he can pull out of his hat. By Marc Hujer, Cordula Meyer and Mathieu von Rohr more...

THE REAL ECONOMY

German Industry Begins to Suffer from Credit Crisis

The financial crisis has decimated credit markets, but it now might be making the leap to the real economy in Germany. Carmakers have announced production cuts and software giant SAP has had problems too. The IMF says the crisis may result in losses of $1.4 trillion. more...

THE WORLD FROM BERLIN

'There Will Be No Lasting Peace without the Taliban'

Chancellor Merkel's cabinet voted Tuesday morning to send 1,000 more troops to Afghanistan and to extend German participation in ISAF by 14 more months. Commentators, though, say the strategy in Afghanistan needs to be completely overhauled. more...

INTERVIEW WITH ANTHONY KENNEDY SHRIVER

'Obama Clearly Has Ability to Inspire'

In an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE, John F. Kennedy's nephew discusses Barack Obama's leadership potential, why it's difficult to compare the candidate with the former president and his gripe with Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. more...

ROBERT SHILLER ON THE US BAILOUT

'Plugging Holes in a Sinking Ship'

In a SPIEGEL interview, Yale economist Robert Shiller discusses the causes and consequences of the global economic crisis. He argues there is a substantial risk of recession and that the next few years will be lean ones. more...

FACING THE CRISIS

EU Finance Ministers Increase Savings Guarantee

Finance ministers from the 27 European Union member states met on Tuesday and agreed to increase the EU private savings guarantee to €50,000. But the bloc still has no strategic vision for how to confront the crisis. And none is likely to be forthcoming. more...

BAILOUT BEAT GOES ON

Europe Faces Banking Crisis of Its Own

A series of government interventions are in the works as investors and politicians realize Europe is facing a banking crisis of its own. By Mark Scott more...