All Europe
- Islamic State's execution spree challenges governments' ransom policies
The Islamic State's execution of Briton Alan Henning coincided with the release of David Richard Bolam by a Libyan group. With IS now threatening to execute Abdul-Rahman Kassig, a US aid worker, debate is again raging over ransoms.
- Germans join 'War on Christmas' – pre-Christmas commercialism, that is
Christmas sales and carols started popping up in Germany's stores in September this year. And for Christmas-loving Germans, it's too much.
- Could Britain's 2015 vote be upended by Scottish referendum's ripples?
The Scottish National Party has more than doubled its members since the independence vote – which could help the Conservatives remain in charge of Westminster next year.
- Latest US-Russia tie to be severed? Student exchanges.
The Kremlin is ending the highly successful 'Future Leaders Exchange' program, started after the cold war, because at least 15 Russian participants had opted to stay in the US – including one 'handed over to an American homosexual couple' for adoption.
- To mother or not to mother? Poland's new PM hits bump by citing her gender.
Ewa Kopacz hopes to emulate Germany's popular chancellor, Angela Merkel, but was criticized for comments about 'protecting my children' when answering questions about foreign policy.
- Did a small English town destroy a Banksy mural worth a fortune?
British officials had a graffiti piece scrubbed for its alleged 'offensive' and 'racist' content, not knowing it was by controversial and well known street artist Banksy.
- Cameron promises political reform as British election looms. Is EU listening?
Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to hold a referendum on Britain's EU membership, while also devolving more powers within Britain following the Scottish referendum. Success at home could boost his chances in Brussels.
- Anti-terror overreach? UK drops case against Moazzam Begg.
Mr. Begg, an outspoken advocate for the rights of terror suspects, was arrested in February on terrorism charges. The government's decision to drop the case has critics claiming political persecution.
- Forget deficits. For many, childcare is big worry as French budget cuts loom.
The EU is likely miffed that France will miss its 2015 austerity targets. But at home, critics are focused on a proposed $880 million in cuts to France's generous parental perks.
- UK court sends message: tweeted threats will land you in jail
A British man who tweeted threats to a member of Parliament over her support for putting Jane Austen on the 10-pound banknote will serve 18 weeks in jail. The judge said his 'campaign of hatred' caused the MP to feel deeply threatened.
- Germany's military doesn't just choose not to act. It can't act.
Berlin's reluctance to act militarily on moral grounds is well known. But over the past week, a series of investigations and the release of a confidential government report have shown that the German military is in a sorry state.
- Catalonia's Scottish dreams on hold as top court postpones independence vote
The breakaway-minded Spanish region had planned for a non-binding Nov. 9 vote on whether to start an independence process like that which Scotland culminated days ago. But Spain's top court put the referendum on hold for up to five months.
- Lavrov suggests a 'reset' with West. Does Russia mean it this time?
The Russian foreign minister's comment comes on the eve of a European Union meeting to review sanctions on Russia. Improving ties with the US may offer a way forward for Russia.
- Europe's stand against Islamic State is all about the home front
Europeans were solidly against intervention in the Middle East just a few months ago. Now they are lining up behind the US-led operations against the Islamic State in Iraq – in large part because they see the group as a domestic threat.
- Iranians and Israelis find an unlikely musical detente in Germany
Israeli-Iranian ensemble Sistanagila, which combines both cultures' music into melodic wholes, is just one of several such collaborations that have sprung up in Germany.
- French Muslims to Islamic State: We are also 'dirty French'
Shortly after IS called on followers to kill Westerners, including the 'dirty French,' tourist Hervé Gourdel was beheaded in Algeria. France saw its first mass rally of Muslims today against the barbarism of the Islamic State.
- Russia's new law: the beginning of the end for Facebook and Twitter?
Moscow says it will enforce a law passed this week that could ban major global Internet companies from operating in Russia if they don't store data on Russian servers, and share it with the government if asked.
- Cameron urges UK Parliament to back intervention against Islamic State
Unlike last year, when British lawmakers voted against action in Syria, he is likely to get the nod to go ahead. Both votes have underscored Parliament's growing role in making such decisions.
- Is Russia's Paul McCartney a traitor? The Kremlin would like you to think so.
Andrei Makarevich, an icon of Russian rock, is one of several cultural figures that are being depicted as 'traitors' to Russia in a TV series being broadcast by the state.
- The US and its Arab allies are bombing IS. Why isn't Europe?
European nations have mostly been conspicuous in their absence from the fight in Iraq and Syria. But that may soon change – at least in Iraq.