The Refugee Crisis Redefines German Politics

In Germany's March 13 regional elections, voters revealed their disenchantment with mainstream parties. The elections, held in three of the country's 16 regions, resulted in a record performance by the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party and waning support for most of the traditional parties. Since taking over the government more than a decade ago, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has not faced a bigger challenge than the refugee crisis. Within six months of its start, the crisis considerably strengthened the anti-immigration opposition, divided the ruling coalition and weakened Berlin's role in the European Union....