Der Spiegel headlines:
1. G8 is dead. Unified. Doha doomed.
2. German Economics back in the black. The end of the world has been canceled. German recession is over, avoiding debt.
3. Germany’s increasingly powerful seniors have been thriving in the recession.
4. Fears of Election Attack bolsters Germany’s anti-terror measures.
5. CHANGING THE RULES IN AFGHANISTAN
German Troops Beef Up Fight against Taliban
Behind closed doors, the German government is slowly but surely changing the rules for combat on Afghanistan, allowing its forces to take a more offensive approach. At the same time, German popular support for the “war” that no one wants to call a war continues to decline.
6. Despite Stasi files, E.Germans long for communism.
7. The trial against suspected concentration camp guard John Demjanjuk is a legal first for Germany.
8. China’s brutality with its own indigenous Muslims

On the coming national election, Merkel will likely enjoy an “Unexpected boost”

this year overhang seats could play a significant role in the overall result, due to a unique set of circumstances. According to Joachim Behnke, a professor of political science at the University of Friedrichshafen, the upcoming election will generate more overhang seats than ever before, with the likely winners being Angela Merkel’s CDU.

From the German Green Party

SPIEGEL: Obama has to take responsibility for a 13-percent budget deficit this year. Do you seriously want to accumulate such a mountain of debt?

Trittin: First of all, it’s important to note that the coalition has thrown a lot of money out the window, such as €10 billion for a tax cut that primarily benefits those with higher incomes. They aren’t taking the money and spending it in stores — they are buying government bonds. Great economic stimulus program!

Germany’s Deeply Divided Left Party

Not too long ago, Germany’s far-left Left Party was on the rise. Now, after a disappointing showing in the European elections, its future is uncertain. Many members fear that skirmishes between different wings could escalate into open warfare ahead of German elections this autumn.

Today’s poll.

Today’s Spiegel headline:

Obama Predicts Merkel Victory in Coming Election
In an off-the-cuff remark caught on camera, US President Barack Obama told German Chancellor Angela Merkel she was bound to win the September election. The forecast has annoyed Germany’s Social Democrats.–By Ralf Beste and Gregor Peter Schmitz

maverick muse on July 13, 2009 at 9:25 AM

or a de facto kiss of death to Merkel’s campaign.
highhopes on July 13, 2009 at 8:54 AM

Agreed, a point I made @ Gateway Pundit.

As per militant Muslims in Germany and their take on Obama, hmm.

I read that the various Leftist factions in Germany are irritated by Obama. And that Germany is setting up anti-terrorist efforts to secure safe voting at the election.

I also note that Obama’s first official visit to Africa as POTUS was mutually disrespectful. Obama failed to address the population openly as both Clinton and GWBush did. And the people were disgruntled that their poor economy funded his luxurious reception to which they were not afforded participatory rights beyond standing on the street curb for his drive-by, wearing propaganda t-shirts waving propaganda flags mass produced pro-Obama with funds that should have been devoted to their own population’s well being. After he drove by, they all acted as though nothing happened. He’s a dud to them.

maverick muse on July 13, 2009 at 9:39 AM

Phoenician on July 13, 2009 at 9:44 AM
“I think you’re giving him too much credit.”

There must be a miscommunication on who’s granting Obama credit, unless that’s sarcasm.

maverick muse on July 13, 2009 at 9:50 AM

Phoenician on July 13, 2009 at 9:11 AM

Good link to the Obama-Merkel mutual address comments.

Merkel is not a conservative, as she is intent on creating a level playing field for the entire world, blaming crises on competition and free market.

You have made very important steps here in the United States as regards financial market regulation. We and the European Union are also working on that. And in the summer of this year we can then sort of take stock and see where these regulations meet, and try to create a level playing field for the rest of the world. It makes it possible to lose competition, but that avoids a future crisis of this magnitude.

We are very grateful that we are also able, together with the United States, to work on principles as to how matters are to be taken into the future after this crisis. But we now have to emerge, obviously, from this crisis and recovery of our economies is a great pre-condition for further progress.

maverick muse on July 13, 2009 at 10:04 AM