Jason Overdorf

Refugee Abuse Scandal In Germany Highlighting Failing EU Policies

As growing numbers flood into Europe, the crisis is straining the continent’s ability to cope.

Jason Overdorf
Par Jason Overdorf
German refugee

ESSEN, Germany — Midway through describing his alleged abuse by security guards at a home for asylum seekers here, Badr Abboussi breaks off to answer a call on his cell phone. After speaking rapidly in Italian, the 21-year-old originally from Morocco hangs up, shrugs his shoulders and says ruefully, “Transfer.” Ordinarily, that would be good

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Europe Has A Puppy Mafia Problem

Open borders are creating canine refugees.

Jason Overdorf
Par Jason Overdorf

BERLIN, Germany — In a sprawling animal shelter on the outskirts of Berlin, Beate Kaminski scoops up a tiny, bug-eyed puppy called Luna and plunks her down on her office table. Eight inches tall and a foot long from nose to tail, handbag-sized Luna is the kind of “designer dog” flooding into Germany from dodgy puppy mills across Europe. Like

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Over 80 Killed, Hundreds Wounded As Israel Preps Gaza Invasion

Peres: Invasion to Happen ‘Quite Soon’.

Jason Overdorf
Par Jason Overdorf
Mideast Israel Palestinians

Israel continues to escalate airstrikes against the Gaza Strip today, with officials reporting 750 strikes in the last 48 hours, and the attacks leaving at least 81 killed, and hundreds others wounded. The split between Hamas fighters and civilians remains unclear in the chaos of the Gaza attacks, but at least 12 children have been confirmed

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Germany Angry With The US Over Spying, Souring US German Relations

However, the latest spy scandal rocking relations between the two countries may affect longer-term attitudes toward Washington.

Jason Overdorf
Par Jason Overdorf
Germany NSA

BERLIN, Germany — Although allegations that the CIA actively worked to recruit a double agent in Germany's top spy agency is prompting renewed outrage from German officials on Tuesday, experts say the government has little scope for much more than issuing strong words. “There will be a lot of castigation but the two governments will continue to

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Conflict In Ukraine Undermining Germany’s Push For Alternative Energy

A growing reliance on coal is overshadowing the country’s record on renewable energy as the crisis in Ukraine prompts a search for new sources.

Jason Overdorf
Par Jason Overdorf

PROSCHIM, Germany — There’s nothing extraordinary about the picture of Johannes Kapelle mowing hay with his tractor in a field behind his rustic village house. Except for the dozen wind turbines towering behind the nearby trees, the slow turning of their blades matching the ambling pace of Kapelle's brindle cow. And the glittering of solar panels

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Regressive German Definition Of Rape Highlights Entrenched Traditional Values

A regressive definition of rape highlights the country’s stubbornly traditional attitudes toward women.

Jason Overdorf
Par Jason Overdorf
Germany

BERLIN — No means yes, at least in this country. When a rape court in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia acquitted the alleged rapist of a 15-year-old girl in 2012, women's rights advocates were outraged. The ruling found that saying no, or even screaming it, wasn't enough to merit rape charges. Now findings from a new study indicate that

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This Palestinian Immigrant Could Become Berlin’s Next Mayor

Can a foreign-born rising star turn the tide for Germany’s declining Social Democrats?

Jason Overdorf
Par Jason Overdorf
Saleh

BERLIN, Germany — Sitting in a diner in the working-class suburb of Spandau, Raed Saleh smiles and nods to acquaintances as he reels off plans for transforming this city. Getting them right would require finding a balance between tackling social issues and creating wealth, says the 36-year-old Palestinian-born politician. He hopes to be the

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