All Europe
Too Russian? For Russian lawmakers, Oscar-hopeful 'Leviathan' stingsThe tale of a man crushed by an omnipotent, corrupt state is a leading contender for this year's Best Foreign Language Film Oscar. But its unrelenting, bleak critique of modern Russian life has irked politicians.
Soccer fans shove black man on Paris Metro. Will their team be penalized?The racist incident was condemned by witnesses and soccer organizations alike, including Chelsea F.C., whose fans were the perpetrators. Experts say that punishing the team directly can influence fan behavior, but only helps so much.
Cover StoryHow is Europe countering radical Islam?From mosques to family kitchens, Muslims and non-Muslims alike are trying to stem the tide of young Europeans signing up to fight for the self-declared Islamic State. Leaders from around the world are at the White House today for a summit on battling violent extremism.
Denmark gunman: Could more have been done to stop him?The suspect in two fatal attacks in Copenhagen last weekend, Omar Abdel Hamid El-Hussein, appears to have traveled a path from criminal to jihadist in prison.
Putin takes 'Russia still has friends' tour to HungaryThe Russian president's visit to Hungary is part of a greater diplomatic offensive to prove he is not boxed in by sanctions. The trip's political significance for Moscow far outweighs the projected deals with Prime Minister Orban.
Copenhagen attacks: Why an eight-year-old cartoon continues to inflameOne of the apparent targets of the Copenhagen shootings was a cartoonist who drew an unflattering depiction of the Prophet Mohammad back in 2007.
FocusPutin's 'hands-on management': How the Russian leader makes it personalThe Kremlin has been able to make its decisions without public scrutiny, despite the disparate Russian elites jockeying for the president’s ear. Even those directly involved have no idea with whom else Putin may be consulting.
FocusPutin's pals: Who is helping steer the Kremlin now?Russia’s leader keeps his relationships in the Kremlin's halls of power private. But military and security types seem to be gaining favor over once-prominent oligarchs and ideologues.
Neo-nazis no-show their annual march in Dresden. Is Pegida to blame?Counter-protesters, expecting to face off against neo-Nazis, were able to speak for inclusiveness unopposed in Dresden today. The far right's absence may be a result of the rise of anti-Islamization group Pegida.
From the Monitor archives: Allies firebomb Dresden in WWIIThe firebombing of Dresden, which killed tens of thousands and left most of the city leveled, was one of the most controversial city attacks of World War II. The Christian Science Monitor reported as it happened, seventy years ago today.
'Not right now, Jason Bourne': Paris puts a hold on action film shootsAt least for the moment, the city has issued a moratorium on the sorts of Parisian action scenes that helped make 'The Bourne Identity,' 'Inception,' and other movies famous. The move could add up to millions of dollars, both in Paris and Hollywood.
Kiev, rebels sign cease-fire, but Ukraine's path to peace remains steepThe deal, backed by leaders from Russia, Ukraine, France, and Germany, includes a withdrawal of heavy weapons and a prisoner exchange. But it also retains the problems that led to the collapse of a similar deal in September.
Mediterranean migrant deaths show limits of EU rescue effortsThe deaths of at least 300 migrants trying to reach Italy come amid what is normally a winter lull in boat crossings. The UN says that 218,000 migrants, including many fleeing wars in Africa and the Middle East, took this route in 2014.
Putin hands Egyptian president a rifle - and an alternative to US?The Soviet Union was once Egypt's main military ally, and the Russian president's gift may be a hint to Abdul Fattah al-Sisi that the US isn't the only diplomatic option today.
Ukraine crisis: Merkel urges talks as Obama weighs lethal arms for KievThe German chancellor insists that diplomacy is the only way to resolve the worsening fighting in Ukraine, while US hawks argue that Kiev needs to be empowered to defend itself against the Russia-backed rebels.
Will Putin buy into Merkel and Hollande's Ukraine peace plan?The French and German leaders have not yet revealed any details of their plan, which they will deliver tomorrow to Moscow. They hope will satisfy both Russia and the suddenly reeling Ukraine.
To fight jihadi lure, France takes the battle onlineThe French government is launching a new online campaign, including an Army unit of online specialists, to bring down the high number of French youths leaving for Syria and Iraq to train as foreign fighters.
Real life or Super Bowl commercial? Abandoned dog finds a new homeAfter finding a dog abandoned in a train station in Scotland, the SPCA has found the dog a new home and a loving owner.
The ExplainerWhy the UK has voted to allow 'three-parent babies'The House of Commons today legalized a procedure that advocates say will prevent an often-lethal genetic disorder. But it raises numerous ethical and medical concerns.
Ukraine arms request to fight rebels divides US, GermanyThe White House seems ready to provide lethal arms to Ukraine's beleaguered forces against a fresh offensive by pro-Russian rebels. German officials are much cooler on the prospect.
