Daily Bulletin | 19.02.2018, 18:30 UTC

If you cannot view this message correctly, please click here.

Daily Bulletin 19.02.2018 | 18:30 UTC SPD members begin voting on next Merkel-led German government 450,000-plus Social Democratic party members will decide whether to enter another grand coalition under Chancellor Angela Merkel. Past referendums have been formalities, but this time the result is anything but assured. Germany's Social Democrats in turmoil over coalition deal Merkel taps possible successor Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer as next CDU secretary general German Chancellor Angela Merkel has nominated Saarland State Premier Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer to be the CDU's next secretary general. She will take over from Peter Tauber, who is stepping down due to health reasons. Merkel taps Kramp-Karrenbauer for CDU party head Why did Merkel's party succeed in Saarland's election? Syrian army to help Kurdish forces repel Turkish offensive in Afrin: reports The Syrian regime and Kurdish forces have reportedly agreed to join forces in Afrin to counter an ongoing Turkish offensive. Syrian state media report that the deployment of pro-regime troops is imminent. Strong support for Turkish offensive, dissent suppressed Erdogan's Offensive: Who Will Help the Kurds? Mass funeral of Kurdish fighters killed in clashes Cavusoglu: 'Nothing and nobody can deter and stop the Turkish army' Inside Europe: Turkish forces enter Syria to attack the northern enclave of Afrin Australia, US, India, Japan mulling 'infrastructure scheme to rival China' Australia, the US, India and Japan are talking about plans for a regional scheme to counterbalance China's growing influence, a report says. A US official spoke of an "alternative" rather than a "rival" plan. China's way to the top Hungary's Orban threatens pro-refugee NGOs, slams Muslim immigration The Hungarian prime minister has promised a hefty tax on refugee aid organizations as he vies for a third term in office. He warned in his annual state of the nation address that Muslim immigration would destroy Europe. Poland and Hungary condemn EU migration policy Munich Security Conference: How to stop a post-caliphate jihad? Panel discussions at the Munich Security Conference unanimously agreed that the terror group "Islamic State" remains a threat, even though it may have lost its "territory." Lebanese Defense Minister Yacoub Sarraf discusses controlling Hezbollah Munich Conference makes appeal for European unity Would 'durability' labels help people shop greener? France has floated the idea of slapping labels on products like electronics to tell consumers how long they will last, and how easily they can be recycled. But would such schemes actually inspire greener choices? Reusing e-waste in the EU A new French law takes aim at gadgets that quickly wear down Berlinale film 'Transit' brings World War II refugees into the present German director Christian Petzold's latest work is adapted from a WWII novel – but the refugee story is set in a timeless context. The cinematic experiment brings the past into dialogue with the present. New German movie 'Transit' Shooting star Franz Rogowski Berlin Internat'l Film Festival opens with 'Isle of Dogs' Winter Olympics: Anti-doping case opened against Russian curler The CAS has initiated a doping procedure for Russian curler and medalist Alexander Krushelnitsky. The allegations have rocked the Winter Olympics, with some Russian sports officials suspecting foul play. Russian curler Krushelnitsky hit by doping case Olympic Games - Russia remains defiant Hajo Seppelt on CAS nullifying Olympic bans on Russian athletes Winter Olympics: Day 10 roundup The first day of the final week in Pyeongchang sees Germany trailing Norway at the top of the medals table. Day 10 also featured a double-gold-medal win in the two-man bobsleigh, with Germany and Canada finishing even.   © Deutsche Welle 2018