Syria and Russia launch huge offensive on rebels in Aleppo
The Syrian military has begun a major ground offensive on the country's second city of Aleppo. The advance in northern Syria has been supported by the Russian air force. The…
No room for carbon trading in global climate treaty?
Carbon trading lobbyists say the mechanism is being given short shrift in the UNFCCC negotiations. But critics argue that carbon trading is a long way from providing a global solution…
Palestinians torch Jewish shrine amid calls for ‘revolution’
Dozens of Palestinians have thrown firebombs at holy site in the Israeli-controlled West Bank. Others have called for "revolution," as the United Nations (UN) Security Council prepares to discuss the…
VW Europe sales rise amid market upswing
Volkswagen saw sales rise in September - the month in which news of its emissions cheating scandal broke. But its sales grew below the market average, in a first sign…
Russia’s creeping annexation of Abkhazia
Abkhazia is seen as a "de facto independent" quasi-state on the Black Sea, a puffer between Russia and Georgia. But what does that mean exactly? A journey into a region…
UEFA backs suspended Platini’s right to defend himself
European football's governing body UEFA says President Michel Platini has its full support while he fights to clear his name. Platini was suspended last week as part of an investigation…
New role for German soldiers in Mali?
It seems that German troops are soon to be sent to northern Mali. They will not take part in combat operations but will play more of a support role to…
Top European court bolsters environmental challenges in Germany
German environmental groups welcomed a European Court of Justice ruling easing restrictions on environmental challenges to major building projects. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) in Luxembourg has ruled that…