Mid-East Talks: What are the consequences of German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer's mission in the Mid-East? What happens now?

“No Return to the Idyll”

SPIEGEL interview with secretary of state for economic affairs and Chancellor’s sherpa Alfred Tacke, on the opponents of globalisation, the idea of a world-wide speculation tax – and the politics of “a steady hand”:

“The German government is in favour of international social standards. In addition we need a new international financial architecture, in other words better rules for combating currency crises. It is also highly problematic if certain countries set up tax havens and so take the bread from the mouths of other states. … Nobody in the industrialised nations wants the Tobin tax, and that includes the German government. … For instance, we must open up our agricultural markets to the countries of the Third World. … Particularly the poorer countries are massively disadvantaged by the protectionism we permit ourselves. … Politics must not come under pressure like any old company listed on the stock exchange which is constantly having to present its quarterly reports.”

Macedonia: The differences of opinion within and between Germany's political parties as to participation in a Nato force in Macedonia

“In the Morning: Boot-Licking”

Demonstrations: The Federal Criminal Office readily sent the details of globalisation critics to Italy during the G8 summit. Is this a case of European domestic policy or handing people over to the judiciary of an authoritarian state? It takes much less than a court conviction to be listed in the computers as a political demonstrator, even in those of foreign authorities. It is enough for preliminary proceedings to be initiated concerning activities with a political background. Details of people who are accused and subsequently shown to be innocent can still be stored. After the excesses of the Italian police in Genoa – also against innocent demonstrators – which are by now beyond dispute, a pensive mood can be sensed even in the Federal Ministry of the Interior.

“Collective in Jail”

Crime: The law of the Russian Mafia rules in German custody centres for young offenders. Emigrants of German origin from Eastern European countries who have committed criminal offences are forced into obedience using physical and emotional violence. They only have one choice: to pay protection money, or to join in the dealing behind bars. Outwardly, the ethnic Germans from Russia behave inconspicuously, if anything they are notable for their pronounced politeness. Since there is virtually no Russian-speaking staff at German youth custody centres, the subtle form of oppression initially remained unnoticed. An “appeal” that was found during searches carried out in several prisons, reveals just how tightly organised the imprisoned “Russian Germans” really are. In a bombastic, conspiratorial style of language it proclaims the laws of the “Movement of Thieves”. The overriding question of the entire system of supply and repression is: how to fill the “obshchak”, the “kitty of the thieves and bandits”.

“The Attack of the Straw Hats”

History: Over 1000 years after the death of Otto I, the city of Magdeburg is dedicating a grandiose exhibition to “the first king of the Germans”. This most expensive exhibition in Eastern Germany to date commemorates an illiterate from Saxony, whose mail-clad warriors subjugated half of Europe. Otto played a decisive role in the birth of the German nation, but his reputation is very mixed. The Saxon king’s path was paved with atrocities. Not much from the primitive state has survived for posterity. At the Museum of Magdeburg, scraps of chain mail and rotten Saxon pennies are on display to bring the lost phantom back to life. Not a single portrait of Otto has come down to us. The museum’s director complains that: “It’s really difficult to get hold of exhibits from that period, nearly all of them have rotted away or been destroyed by fire.”

“The Princely Guard”

China: The children of high-ranking officials in the Communist Party owe their well-paid jobs and dazzling careers to their parents. The party is trying to put a stop to the worst excesses. The “red princelings” represent a system which, despite the many economic reforms, emphasises connections and coteries rather than achievement. In the meantime, the parents are sensing the growing anger about their privileged children among the citizens. The Disciplinary Committee of the Communist Party has now barred “family members of leading functionaries” from working as real estate agents, business consultants and lawyers. However, the verdict only applies to the children of provincial cadres and below.

“Falling Hammer”

Denmark: The rigid policy of “out with foreigners” practised by towns and local authorities does not even shy away from citizens of the European Union. For months, the Danish authorities in the border region of southern Jutland have been making short work of foreigners who are felt to be a burden. In doing so, the EU member state couldn’t care less that it is constantly breaching EU directives. This treatment of foreigners fits the picture of the traditionally euro-sceptical Danes. They claim a special status for themselves on many issues and live in constant fear of cultural infiltration by foreigners, especially those coming from Germany. These difficulties are further exacerbated by the peculiarities of their generous social welfare system. For fear of its being abused, special regulations were introduced that stand in absurd contradiction to the European idea.

“Sinner’s Despair”

Authors: Michel Houellebecq’s latest novel “Plateforme” describes the adventures of a sex tourist in the Third World – already it is the highly controversial sensation of this autumn’s book market in France. As a cynical observer of decline, Houellebecq wages war against the idealists of political correctness. The outcry of the moralists who see Houellebecq’s apology for prostitution only as a filthy debasement of women’s dignity, is based on a gross misunderstanding. Because like all nihilists, the author conceals a pure heart. His sadness stems from lost illusions, his black humour is a way of expressing despair. In reality, Houellebecq has written a romantic book, with “Plateforme” his first love story.