NOBEL Prize-winning German novelist Guenter Grass is facing a growing storm of criticism following his admission that he served in the Waffen SS during World War II.

California’s execution of a murderer this morning outraged many in Europe who regard the practice as barbaric, and feelings ran particularly deep in state Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s native Austria.

German leaders said today they still have had no contact with the kidnappers of a German woman seized in Iraq and Chancellor Angela Merkel said considering paying a ransom was "not up for discussion" at this time.

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani today condemned the kidnapping of a German woman, pledging he would do what he could to secure her release.