Merkel to Embark on Three Day Journey to the Middle East
The focus of the Chancellor’s visit will be to advance the role of neighboring governments in finding a solution to the conflict.

Middle East Quartet Meeting in Washington
Foreign Minister Steinmeier, who traveled to Washington for the talks, said that the Quartet's meeting is especially important given the current tension in the Middle East.

Interview: A "Typically German" Saga of One Family Distilled Into "Cinematic Empathy"
TWIG Editor Karen Carstens spoke with Malte Ludin, whose film Two or Three Things I know About Him deals with how his family came to terms with his father's past as a war criminal.

EU Valued Around the World as "Crisis Manager"
Since 2003, the EU has conducted 16 civilian and military operations.

Berlin Raises Economic Growth Forecast to 1.7 Percent
The forecast is a further sign that Europe's biggest economy will be able to withstand this year's widely expected global economic slowdown.

European Security Research Program Opens Opportunities for Transatlantic Cooperation
For the first time, the Commission has earmarked funds specifically for civilian security research and opened funding for partnerships with institutions in non-EU-member states.

Ideas from Germany: Aachen Scientists Develop 'Smart' Wheelchair
The wheelchair will increase the mobility of disabled people by allowing its occupant to steer just by moving his facial muscles or head.

Volkswagen Plans Eco-Offensive in the USA for 2008
In 2008, the company will offer a new generation of clean diesel vehicles that meet emission standards for all 50 states.

The EU Presidency Launches Social Networking Website
A new Website launched by the German Foreign Office to accompany the German EU Council Presidency wants Europe to get its blog on.

Readings: TWIG Cannot Cover it All - But We Can Tell You Where to Find it!
Roller Coaster in the Dark: Denis Scheck on Thomas Pynchon (signandsight)
Leapin' Leipzig! The Guardian's Gordon Burns on the Saxon city's attraction for the international art world

German Filmmakers Turn Spotlight Onto Nation's Past
German filmmakers have moved in recent years to reclaim the darker side of their nation's history with a string of movies exploring the events surrounding the Second World War and the horrors of the country's Nazi past.

Hamburg Museum Offers Transatlantic Perspective on American Art
"The New World, Developing an American Art", an exhibit at the Bucerius Kunst Forum in Hamburg from Feb. 24 to May 28, will introduce a European audience to this little known chapter in American art.

Women's Soccer: US Ties with Germany, Tops China, to Win Four Nations Tournament
The Four Nations tournament has been billed as China's "tune-up" for the women's soccer World Cup, in which Germany is still a likely favorite, despite some irksome setbacks.

Handball: Germany Reach Final With Double Overtime Win Over France
Hosts Germany overcame a late penalty to beat European champions France 32-31 in a double overtime thriller on Thursday for a place in the world handball championship final.

Bayern Munich Shakeup: Magath Fired, Hitzfeld Returns
Munich confirmed reports from the Bild daily and Kicker sports magazine that Magath, 53, had to go after Munich lost 3-2 against Borussia Dortmund on Friday and were held to a goalless draw by lowly VfL Bochum on Tuesday.