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The death of seven German soldiers in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan comes as Germany prepares to take a lead role in the peacekeeping mission there. But Germany remains cool -- though perhaps resigned -- to a possible U.S.-led attack on Iraq. Hear from NPR's Liane Hansen and NPR's Emily Harris.

A few stores in Berlin have been willing to accept Deutschmarks as part of holiday promotions, delighting many shoppers. The old currency officially stopped circulating in July, giving way to the euro. Shopkeepers say the promotion has helped sales. NPR's Emily Harris reports.

NATO calls a special meeting after Germany, France and Belgium block a U.S. initiative providing military support to Turkey in the event of a war with Iraq. Meanwhile, Germany and France reject reports they have a "secret plan" that would reinforce weapons inspections in Iraq. Hear NPR's Emily Harris and NPR's Nick Spicer.

The U.S. Army has begun training Iraqi exiles in interpreting and "liaison" skills at the Taszar base in Hungary, a new NATO member. Hungary -- part of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's "new Europe" -- is anxious to show it is a staunch U.S. ally. But not all Hungarians relish the idea of thousands of American soldiers training exile Iraqis on their soil. NPR's Emily Harris reports.

NPR's Emily Harris reports on concerns over the proposed merger between Time Warner and America Online. In an effort to win Federal Trade Commission's approval, Time Warner has agreed to offer AOL's Internet rival, Earthlink, access to high-speed web services over its cable system. But smaller Internet companies are now worried they'll be shut out from the service. (

NPR's Emily Harris reports on an international treaty on fighting cybercrime. The pact is being negotiated to standardize laws and methods to make sure cybercriminals don't go unpunished, as happened with the I Love You virus creator in the Philippines. Some people in the software industry are concerned that part of the draft treaty might punish people for possessing certain software, and privacy advocates fear it might require companies to archive large amounts of citizens' personal communications.

Emily Kopp of Georgia Public Broadcasting reports that America's growing immigrant population is pushing a demand for goat meat and some farmers are moving to take advantage. Outside of the United States, goat meat is very popular and an American farmer can raise seven goats on the land it takes to raise a single cow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announces far-reaching reforms that he says will strengthen the power of the executive branch in its battle against terrorism. But critics say Putin's already-tight grip on power is part of the problem. Hear NPR's Emily Harris.

Turkey has been trying to join the European Union for 40 years. There are concerns about Turkey's poor human rights record, poverty and majority Muslim population. Those issues are particularly sensitive in Germany, which already has more than 2 million Turkish immigrants. NPR's Emily Harris reports.

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan began Friday, at the end of a week in which at least one U.S. soldier was killed every day. With intense fighting in the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah, some question what effect the holiday will have on peace efforts. NPR's Emily Harris reports.