For decades the image of the archetypal German household has been one of thrifty stoicism in the popular imagination - a stereotype that has been actively encouraged by Angela Merkel, who has often paid homage to the proverbial schwäbische Hausfrau. That might be changing. The German postwar economic miracle - the Wirtschaftswunder - driven in no small part by the failure of worker pay to keep up with productivity gains is now undergoing a dramatic shift. With unemployment in the country at record lows and wages finally rising, analysts expect the driver of Europe's largest economy to move from exports to consumer spending. As Hans-Werner Sinn, president…

It is now widely acknowledged that after the 9/11 attacks in the US, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) began a global detention and interrogation program through which it tortured and abused prisoners. Yet the US government has failed to hold accountable both those who designed and authorized the program and the agents who directly carried out the abuses. Laura Pitter, senior US national security counsel at Human Rights Watch, interviewed many former detainees who were tortured by the CIA. She talks to Stephanie Hancock about what they went through and why it’simportant they get justice. This is a long and complex story. What did…

Numerous atrocities against Native Americans span the hundreds of years from the first arrival of European explorers to the modern era under a wide range of circumstances. Today there are over 500 Native American tribes in the United States, each with a distinct culture, way of life and history. Even today, Native Americans face large challenges to cope with the disadvantages history has left them and ongoing cases of discrimination. 10 million+ Estimated number of Native Americans living in land that is now the United States when European explorers first arrived in the 15th century Less than 300,000 Estimated number of Native…

Opposition candidate Mauricio Macri is poised to become Argentina's next President after a runoff vote that marks the end of a political dynasty. "Thank you for believing in me. ... I am here because you have decided," a triumphant Macri said from his campaign headquarters Sunday night as throngs of supporters erupted in cheers. "Today is a historic day," he said, "a new era." Macri spoke shortly after Daniel Scioli, Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner's hand-picked successor, conceded defeat. With more than 98% of votes counted, Macri of the Let's Change coalition had won 51.4% of votes, while Scioli…

Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, reverend clergy, fellow citizens:We observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom -- symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning -- signifying renewal, as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago. The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the…