Germany’s engagement in the resolution of the Syrian conflict. OSW COMMENTARY NUMBER 194/25.01.2016

German Tornado Recce aircraft have been engaged in reconnaissance operations over Syria since January 2016. In December 2015 the German government and parliament decided that up to 1,200 Bundeswehr soldiers would take part in the international coalition fighting Islamic State in Syria. This decision marks a new chapter in Germany’s activity in the Middle East. The increasing destabilisation of the southern neighbourhood and the consequences this has for the EU and Germany have forced the German government to increase its level of engagement in the region. Even though Germany is a third-rate player in the Middle Eastern game, it is nonetheless ever more engaged politically and wants to be viewed as a neutral mediator between the competing actors in the region. It has also allocated more funds on regional development co-operation and humanitarian aid. Germany, whose attention has been directed towards Europe’s eastern neighbourhood, is currently turning its attention to the South. The Middle East (and Africa) is taking on increasing significance in German foreign and security policy. This may affect NATO’s eastern flank and the EU’s eastern neighbourhood since part of Germany’s instruments and funds may be redirected to the South.

Europe's refugee/migrant crisis: can 'illiberal' Turkey save 'liberal Europe' while helping Syrian refugees? EPC Policy Brief, 19 February 2016

Turkish democracy today has lost much of its shine. As the Turkish government continues to backtrack on reforms and infringe on basic freedoms, the country is beginning to look more and more like an ‘illiberal democracy’ at best. Ironically, as one of the most important destination and transit countries for Syrian refugees, it is also still uniquely positioned to help the EU deal with the current refugee crisis. In November 2015, the EU and Turkey signed a Joint Action Plan to better manage the situation, but both parties have fallen short of their promises. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, one of the biggest supporters of closer EU-Turkey cooperation, had hoped that this would allow for the refugees to be admitted into Europe in a more controlled and orderly manner. But it seems she is standing alone in a Europe that is becoming increasingly more hostile towards newcomers, drifting further and further from the liberal values it stands for. In this Policy Brief, Kemal Kirişci discusses the ways in which Turkey, Germany and the EU in general could all benefit from closer cooperation on this issue: “With the right frame of mind and will, the current ‘illiberal Turkey’ could indeed help ‘liberal Europe’. In the long run this would be a ‘win-win’ for Germany, Turkey, and the EU – but most importantly, for the Syrian refugees.”

The Boston Cooking-School cook book : with additional chapters on the cold pack method of canning, on the drying of fruits and vegetables, and on food values /

Includes household hints; samples of menus; some recipes include wine or liquor as an ingredient. Sample recipes: Stuffed artichokes, Macaroni à la Milanaise, Apricot and wine jelly, Cream sponge cake.

The Boston Cooking School magazine of culinary science and domestic economics.

Description based on: v. 3, no. 3 (Oct./Nov. 1898)

Twenty lessons in domestic science : a condensed home study course : marketing, food principals, functions of food, methods of cooking, glossary of usual culinary terms, pronunciations and definitions, etc. /

Some recipes use liquor as an ingredient.

What Mrs. Fisher knows about old southern cooking, soups, pickles, preserves, etc.

"Preface and apology" on p. [3] contains information on Mrs. Fisher's life and names of benefactors in San Francisco and Oakland who assisted her in writing the book.

The easiest way in housekeeping and cooking : adapted to domestic use or study in classes /

Includes chapters for use in cooking schools, such as "Lessons for practice class" and "Examination questions."

The complete economical cook and frugal housewife : an entirely new system of domestic cookery : containing approved directions for purchasing, preserving, and cooking : also, trussing and carving, preparing soups, gravies, sauces, made dishes, potting, pickling, &c. : with directions for pastry and confectionery : likewise the art of making British wines, brewing, baking, &c. /

"Bills of fare": p. 63-90; "Table of income and wages": p. 426; "Marketing tables": p. [427]-432.

One hundred ways of cooking eggs /

Bitting, K.G. Gastronomic bib.,

The new Columbian White House cookery : containing toilet, medical, and cooking receipts, comprehending economical and practical information pertaining to the successful management of the home /

Includes samples of menus; household hints; some recipes include wine or liquor as an ingredient. Sample recipes: Chicken cream soup, Eels a la tartare, Lemon brandy (for cakes and puddings), Spiced nutmeg melon.