NEWS President Obama’s call for a free-trade agreement between the United States and the European Union has unleashed a wave of optimism on both sides that a breakthrough can be achieved that would lift trans-Atlantic fortunes, not just economically but politically. Nicholas Kulish reports from Berlin, and Jackie Calmes from Washington.
A former Tibetan Buddhist monk protested Chinese rule by killing himself through self-immolation this month, becoming the 100th person to do so inside Chinese-governed Tibet, according to reports on Wednesday by Tibet advocacy groups. Edward Wong and Jim Yardley report.
Europol, the European police agency, aid Wednesday that it had dismantled one of the most efficient cybercrime organizations to date, led by Russians who had managed to extort millions of euros from online users across more than 30 countries. Raphael Minder reports from Madrid.
Following the murder of a leading opposition politician, Tunisians are asking whether the Arab Spring, which began in their country, has accomplished much of anything. Aida Alami reports from Tunis.
Japan is renowned for its robots and bullet trains, and has some of the world’s fastest broadband networks. But it also remains firmly wedded to a pre-Internet technology â€" the fax machine â€" that in most other developed nations has joined answeri! ng machines, eight-tracks and cassette tapes in the dustbin of outmoded technologies. Martin Fackler reports from Tokyo.
Alarmed by the speed at which the steel industry is becoming a symbol of Europe’s economic decline, a top European Union official has called for the world’s biggest steel maker to postpone planned job cuts and factory closings. The company, ArcelorMittal, has said no. Stanley Reed reports from London.
Minimum wage policies vary widely across the European continent, offering examples for both sides of the argument over whether wages should be increased in the United States. Liz Alderman reports from Paris.
France is still wine country, but there are signs of changing tastes. Brooklyn Brewery’s strategy is to start small and offer its specialty beers in carefully chosen outlets. Linda Hervieux reports from Paris.
ARTSThe closest thing to a unanimous critical hit at the Berlin International Film Festival is “Before Midnight,†shown out of competition on the occasion of a career award for its director, Richard Linklater. Dennis Lim reports from Berlin.
FASHION John Galliano made a brief appearance as Osca! r de la R! enta’s “artist in residence.†Suzy Menkes reviews the New York shows.
SPORTS Authorities in Europe are homing in on a Singaporean man as they examine a scandal that could involve hundreds of fixed soccer games. Gaia Pianigiani and Thomas Fuller report.
