Guess who's back: Swansong for Berlusconi or Italy's reforms?

"Nothing could be worse for Germany than to speak of a German Europe" warns finance minister Wolfgang Schäuble. But is already the case? François Picard’s panel argues over a German model whose downsides are often downplayed – both in Europe and in a country that’s preparing for a general election in the autumn.

More than two years after the Syrian revolt began, the conflict has taken a frightening turn in recent days with Israel striking Damascus twice, Syria threatening to retaliate and growing evidence that chemical weapons may have been used. With Lebanon ever so fragile, Turkey on edge, Jordan flooded with refugees and an international community still deeply divided, could we be witnessing the perfect storm that will plunge the whole region into conflict?