Spiegel online

SPIEGEL ONLINE

THE SPECTER OF INFLATION

Rising Prices Lurk in Europe's Immediate Future
Moderate inflation isn't a bad sign. But prices in Europe are threatening to spiral upward in the near future as commodity prices across the globe explode. What's more, there may be little the European Central Bank can do about it.

FROM NAZI CRIMINAL TO POSTWAR SPY

German Intelligence Hired Klaus Barbie as Agent
Klaus Barbie was a notorious Nazi war criminal known as the "Butcher of Lyon" because of his horrific deeds in occupied France. Now new research has revealed that he also worked as a spy for Germany's BND intelligence agency while in hiding in Bolivia after the war. The agency almost certainly knew about his dark past.

THE WORLD FROM BERLIN

'The Asylum System in Greece Has Collapsed'
Germany has decided to stop sending refugees back to Greece to give Athens time to improve its asylum system. German newspapers on Thursday argue that Berlin's move is motivated by a case brought by an Iraqi Kurd living in Germany.

DUMPING OLD FRIENDS

France Makes Awkward U- Turn on Tunisia Policy
The overthrow of Tunisian President Ben Ali has presented the French government with a dilemma. Paris's previous support for the dictator is now proving embarrassing for President Sarkozy, who has been forced to distance himself from his old ally. Voices calling for a complete change in France's Maghreb policy are growing louder.


HIGH-SPEED GEOLOGY

Violent Seismic Activity Tearing Africa in Two
The fissures began appearing years ago. But in recent months, seismic activity has accelerated in northeastern Africa as the continent breaks apart in slow motion. Researchers say that lava in the region is consistent with magma normally seen on the sea floor -- and that water will ultimately cover the desert.