Eurotopics.net

Damascus and Moscow have begun attacks on the last major rebel stronghold in Syria. The offensive in Idlib could not only lead to heavy fighting in the area but also - in the event of poison gas attacks - to a military confrontation between Russia and the Nato states. Can an escalation be avoided?

Russia began its biggest military exercise since Soviet times on Tuesday. Up to 300,000 soldiers are to take part - around 3,000 of them from China. The exercises, dubbed Vostok 2018, are taking place in eastern Russia and will continue until the weekend. What is the message behind them?

Serena Williams received three warnings from umpire Carlos Ramos during the US Open women's final. After the match Williams called Ramos a "thief" and accused him of sexism, pointing out that men had not received warnings under similar circumstances. Was her accusation justified?

One in five Latvians receive their salary in an envelope. A new regulation came into effect at the start of September under which the employees of employers who do not pay contributions pay a "voluntary tax" and in exchange receive free health insurance. Moreover the tax authorities plan to write to around 400,000 people and encourage them to pay social insurance contributions. Latvia's press isn't all too convinced by the plans.

The chances that Jens Weidmann, head of the German Bundesbank, will succeed Mario Draghi as president of the ECB are apparently dwindling. According to media reports, Chancellor Merkel would prefer to see a German in charge of the EU Commission. She is making a mistake, some commentators feel. Others are happy that Weidmann appears to be out of the running.