All Europe
- From the Monitor archives: Allies firebomb Dresden in WWII
The 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 shoots
At 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 steep
The 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 efforts
The 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 Kiev
The 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 online
The 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 home
After 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, Germany
The 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.
- Oligarchs out, 'siloviki' in? Why Russia's foreign policy is hardening.
Western sanctions on Russia have mostly targeted business elites close to President Vladimir Putin. But experts say the military-security establishment, or siloviki, have Putin's ear now.
- In one Athens suburb, austerity rips a hole in safety net
The deterioration of the Greece's social safety net amid austerity-driven cuts helped propel anti-austerity party Syriza to victory last week. And the cuts continue to have a very real – and detrimental – impact on Greek health.
- From the Monitor archives: Britain bids Winston Churchill farewell
The legendary British statesman was laid to rest 50 years ago today in 'one of the most stirring and momentous ceremonies' in the country's history. The Christian Science Monitor reported as it happened.
- France's anti-jihadi efforts net an 8-year-old schoolboy
France is trying to squelch radicalism among youth, and has produced a video that counters jihadi talking points one-by-one. But authorities are under fire for detaining a child who voiced support in school for the Hebdo attackers.
- Greece 'not going gently into the night,' says new finance minister
Yanis Varoufakis, an economist with a fondness for Dylan Thomas and loud shirts, promises to take a hard line against what he calls Europe's 'fiscal waterboarding' of Greece.
- 'Putin's brain' says he doesn't have Putin's ear. Do we know who does?
As fighting in Ukraine flares up again, one influential voice says that Putin has sidelined him. And Putin's oligarch allies, smarting from Western sanctions, have reportedly lost influence as well.
- Never again: The Auschwitz 'warning to humanity' turns 70
More than one million Jews, Roma, Poles, Soviet prisoners of war, and others were killed at the most infamous Nazi death camp. Today, officials plan to make the Auschwitz-Birkenau museum more an educational experience than a memorial.
- The ExplainerSyriza party wins big in Greek election. What does it mean for Europe?
The left-wing party's anti-austerity platform has resonated widely across Greece. But European creditors, especially Germany, remain wary of its implications as they head into a new round of negotiations over the country's bailout.
- As Syriza takes reins, Greek hopes are high. Can they be met?
The party of new Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras swept to office on the back of Greeks angry at Europe-imposed austerity. But Syriza may find that living up to its promise to renegotiate Europe's terms is a difficult, if not impossible, task.