Eurotopics.net

The trial of Islamist rebel Ahmad al-Mahdi from Mali began on Monday. The International Criminal Court in The Hague has charged him with destroying cultural sites in Timbuktu in 2012, to which Al-Mahdi has already pleaded guilty. This trial will only encourage Islamists, some commentators fear. Others believe it will act as a deterrent.

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday officially announced his candidacy for the 2017 presidential elections with his book Tout pour la France (All for France). In November he will run in the primaries organised by the French right. His programme is simple and clear, some commentators write approvingly. Too simple, others criticise.

The 28th Olympic Games ended on Sunday evening in Rio de Janeiro, overshadowed by debates about doping and empty stadiums. For some commentators the first Olympics staged in Latin America were a complete success. For others, the Games' image has been further tarnished as a result of the numerous scandals.

Several French holiday resorts have banned women from wearing burkinis this summer. While many commentators question whether the ban will promote the emancipation of Muslim women others criticise it as an attack against religious freedom.

A leaked confidential report from the German government describes Turkey as a "central platform for Islamist groups" and concludes that Ankara has been supporting the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas and opposition forces in Syria for years. Berlin should nonetheless steer clear of confrontation with Turkey, commentators warn, while some argue that the criticism of Ankara is hypocritical.

Poland's government wants to introduce a law that would leave people who use the term "Polish concentration camp" in connection with Auschwitz and other concentration camps facing up to three years behind bars. It fears that this choice of words implies that Poland played a role in operating the German concentration camps. Some commentators approve of Warsaw's intentions. Others point to the need for the Poles to confront their historical responsibility.

After eight months of deadlock the negotiations on the formation of a new government in Spain seem set to make progress once more. The leadership of the People's Party gave Mariono Rajoy the green light to start talks with the liberal Ciudadanos on Wednesday. The negotiations can only be successful if Rajoy shows more flexibility, commentators point out and warn that Spain cannot afford a third election.