Free Republic

Leading German politicians are planning to attend a demonstration against antisemitism and in solidarity with Israel on Thursday evening, the organizers announced earlier in the day. The event — starting at 7 p.m. (17:00 UTC) in front of the Brandenburg Gate — is being organized by an array of different groups, including the Jewish Community of Berlin, the Kurdish Community in Germany, and the German Trade Union Confederation. The list of speakers included Germany's Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz from the socialist party (SPD), the leader of the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) Christian Lindner, General Secretary of Angela Merkel's Christian...

Rare is the politician who cites Ali G to explain a touchy situation. Cem Ozdemir, co-chairperson of Germany's Green Party, was detained by security personnel upon his stateside arrival at Washington's Dulles International Airport recently. No official explanation has been given concerning Ozdemir's holdup, but the assumption can be made that a non-Germanic name on the passenger manifest raised concerns. "I was ready to joke 'is it because I'm black?' but knew it wouldn't help circumstances." Ozdemir's lack of indignation about this incident reflects why he is being called the European Obama. His political resume is noteworthy. He was the...