Eurotopics.net

A prohibition on face coverings in Dutch public buildings has been in force since August 1 - banning use of the burqa or the niqab. Those wearing such garments may no longer access schools, government offices, hospitals or public transportation. Observers hope the law will soon be history.

The Warsaw Uprising started on August 1, 1944 and lasted for 63 days, but was quashed in the end by German troops. 200,000 people lost their lives and much of the city was destroyed. Commentators praise the resistance fighters and their legacy, but point to shortcomings in the process of shouldering responsibility.

Although roughly three million hectares of forest are burning in Siberia, firefighting measures were initially undertaken in just three percent of the surface area. Smoke now hangs over many cities and clearly also poses a major threat to the global climate. The situation has prompted Putin to call in the Russian army to help tackle the fires. Russian commentators ask in dismay why this action was so long in coming.

The contest is in full swing. Six female and fourteen male politicians from the Democratic Party who hope to be chosen to challenge Donald Trump - and will have to convince US voters in the next stage - have faced off in two televised evening debates. Only those who scored at least two percent and have secured the backing of at least 130,000 donors will be invited to take part in the third round. How will the Democrats position themselves for the 2020 presidential election?

In reaction to France's introduction of a digital tax that will mainly affect the technology giants Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon (Gafa), US President Donald Trump has threatened to tax French wine. While some commentators voice concern for French wine producers, others focus on the sensitivities of the US economy.