The week at a glance ... Europe

Calabria, Italy

Mafia crackdown: Italian police this week arrested more than 320 people—including government officials—in one of the biggest operations ever against the ’Ndrangheta, Italy’s biggest crime syndicate. The gang, based in Calabria, is believed to be wealthier and more powerful than the better-known Sicilian mob Cosa Nostra. Italian prosecutors say the ’Ndrangheta’s take from arms smuggling, drug trafficking, prostitution, and extortion totals about $56 billion a year—the equivalent of nearly 3 percent of Italy’s GDP. Among those arrested in the sweep were the suspected top boss, 80-year-old Domenico Oppedisano, and the alleged head of money laundering, Pino Neri. At least three local officials and four police officers were also arrested.

Paris

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Burqa ban: The French lower house this week voted to outlaw the wearing in public of any veil that covers the face—including the niqab, a Muslim hood that leaves the eyes uncovered, and the burqa, a full-body cloak with dark mesh over the eyes. Women who wear such garments would face token fines, while husbands and fathers who force them to do so would risk a year in prison and a $40,000 fine. If the upper house approves the law, France would become the second European nation, after Belgium, to ban such veils. Polls show that more than 90 percent of the French support the ban. France has about 5 million Muslims, but only some 2,000 Muslim women wear the full veil.

Prague

Feminism, Euro-style: Female Czech politicians have decided to highlight their newfound political clout by posing for a sexy calendar. A record 44 women won seats in the 200-member lower house of parliament this spring. To mark that milestone, the Public Affairs party has put out a 2011 calendar featuring 12 of its top women in provocative poses, some wearing only bras or negligees. Deputy Parliament Speaker Katerina Klasnova, Miss January, is wearing a skimpy bathrobe and lounging on a bed with her dog. “Why not show we are women who aren’t afraid of being sexy?” asked Marketa Reedova, a Prague councilwoman pictured in a low-cut mini dress. “Czechs are open-minded.”