American CEO Maurice “the Grizz” Taylor’s bashing of France’s work ethic generates angry response from a proud and insulted country—whose productivity turns out to be better than conservative detractors admit.
Economy
Why Europe’s Healthiest Economy Has Its Worst Drug Problem
Estonia is an economic powerhouse — with more than 8% growth in 2011 — but it has a dreadful statistic has well: the highest number of per capita drug deaths in Europe
It’s Official: Eurozone Enters Second Recession In Three Years
Despite positive growth in France and Germany, official figures show the 17-nation euro bloc sinking into its second recession since 2009—with experts warning the worst is yet to come.
Europe Rises Up: Day of Anti-Austerity Rage Grips the Continent
From Portugal to Greece, activists and workers furious with the new conditions of austerity governments are imposing on their societies took to the streets in what was dubbed the continent’s first ever united General Strike.
Jordan’s Survival Strategy Hits a Wall: Tightening Funds Make It Hard to Buy Support
Jordan’s King Abdullah II and the foreign powers most invested in his political survival will be hoping that his country isn’t about to demonstrate Trotsky’s maxim that all revolutions are impossible until they become inevitable. …
Behind the Story: TIME’s Krista Mahr Discusses How the Indian Government Became the Largest Employer in the World
TIME’s South Asia bureau chief talks about how she reported on the steps being taken by the Indian government to provide employment opportunities for every one of the country’s 1.2 billion citizens
Must-Reads from Around the World
On deck for Thursday: The world’s biggest money manager says the Chinese economy will improve after the leadership transition, Burma turns to Japan for investments, and Lance Armstrong’s problems go from bad to worse.
A Kinder, Gentler Merkel Comes Calling in Athens
The German Chancellor hasn’t given up on her austerity push, but she isn’t about to show Greece the E.U. door
Romney Foreign Policy Speech: ‘Time to Change Course in the Middle East’
There are substantial differences between the president and his challenger on foreign policy, even if they’re neither as stark, nor as numerous, as the Romney camp would have voters believe.
Must-Reads from Around the World
On deck for Monday: The World Bank lowers its GDP outlook for East Asia, the U.N. urges countries to plan for aging populations, and what now for Venezuela?
The Revolt of the Bazaar: Will Angry Merchants Change Iran?
As the exchange rate of the rial collapsed, the center of Iran’s commerce shut down in protest — and the uprising is spreading
Protests in Tehran: Will Pain of Sanctions Change Iran’s Nuclear Calculus?
Blame sanctions, says Ahmadinejad, of Iran’s economic chaos. Blame Ahmadinejad, say the protesters — and supporters of the Supreme Leader
Anti-Austerity Protesters Clash with Riot Policemen in Central Athens
As many as 50,000 demonstrators took the the streets of Athens in an union-organized strike against austerity measures on Sept. 26, 2012. This is the first large-scale march since Greece’s coalition government was formed in June.