Germany's World Cup Team Symbolizes Country's Political Divide
The warm weather in Berlin is the perfect backdrop for a repeat "Summer Fairytale" this World Cup season. That 2006 documentary captured a confident nation enthralled with the diversity and potential of its football team. Now, Germany's World Cup champions symbolize the country's doubts over identity -- a consequence of letting in nearly a million asylum seekers in 2015 and frustration over the EU's lack of cooperation on refugees.
Constant harping from the Alternative for Germany (AfD), a right-wing opposition party, and its ilk all over Europe threaten Chancellor Angela Merkel's commitment to uphold the vision of a borderless bloc. But now even within her conservative caucus, a rebellion over migration is unfolding -- one which could threaten the longevity of her leadership.