All Europe
Scotland independence vote tightens. Are Brits paying attention?British politicians are alarmed after a poll for the first time showed a slight majority of Scots planning to vote for independence on Sept. 18. In villages south of the border in England, there's no sign of panic.
FocusAfrican passage to Europe: two brothers, two paths, two strugglesTwo brothers from Senegal sought a better life in Europe. Only one of them made it. But their experiences highlight the pressure on European governments to fairly tackle illegal immigration.
Ukraine's cease-fire leaves many questions danglingMoscow's support for a still-shaky deal may aim to forestall further European and American sanctions.
Can Britain meet its NATO defense commitments?British Prime Minister Cameron says his country is committed to safeguarding Eastern Europe from Russia and investing in its military, but a new study shows Britain may fall short of the NATO defense-spending guideline of 2 percent of GDP this year.
Can NATO spend smarter?NATO members are expected to recommit to spending 2 percent of their GDP on defense – a target that few have met. But experts say what they spend on defense is less important than how they spend it.
Estonia hits NATO target on defense spending, but lags on gender equalityEstonians look to the Nordic nations as role models. But when it comes to paying women equally, it lags far behind its Scandinavian cousins.
Are NATO and Russia setting the fuse for a hot war?NATO's plans for a 'rapid response' force, in combination with the Kremlin's intention to declare NATO an 'adversary' of Russia, could inadvertently spur open conflict.
The risk of European jihadis coming home: How do you calculate it?European leaders like David Cameron are seeking new powers to prevent jihadis abroad from returning home and launching attacks. But such measures require a careful balancing act, experts say.
Ukraine rebels say they are willing to talk peace with KievThe announcement is a major step away from the rebels' previous demand for wholesale independence from Kiev, and opens the door for a federal autonomy for east Ukraine.
From the Monitor archives: Germany invades Poland in 1939, WWII beginsThe German invasion of Poland, launched 75 years ago today, started World War II. The Christian Science Monitor reported as it happened.
Annoyed by off-hour work emails? They may soon be illegal in Germany.High-productivity Germany already bans contact with employees during holidays. Trying to get in touch with workers outside of business hours may soon be verboten too.
In Bosnia's schools, three different people learn three different historiesTwo decades after Bosnia's brutal civil war ended, reconciliation is still out of reach. And the country's education system is only widening the divide.
What about Ukraine and Russia's other conflict – over gas?Russia and Ukraine are at loggerheads over unpaid gas bills. If they can't come to terms, Europe could be left out in the cold this winter – literally.
As Ukraine fighting surges, so too do Russian, Ukrainian doubts about the warRussian casualties in Ukraine could lower support for the war in Russia, where the public supports the rebels, but has no interest in getting directly involved.
Wide gaps remain as Putin and Poroshenko discuss Ukraine crisisThe two presidents, feeling pressure on both sides of the Ukrainian-Russian border, met on the sidelines of a regional summit today in Minsk.
Russia promises new aid convoy to Ukraine as fighting in east surgesExperts say that the aid, combined with a new rebel offensive in Donetsk, strengthen Putin's bargaining position ahead of tomorrow's possible meeting with Poroshenko.
Germany to arm Kurds against Islamic State in test of stronger global roleNearly two-thirds of Germans disagree with Chancellor Merkel's decision. Merkel counters that Germany cannot afford to ignore the threat that IS poses.
Ukraine Today jumps into the Ukraine-Russia media warThe world's newest 24-hour TV channel aims to offer a Ukrainian perspective to the English-language media. But will it find an audience?
In Ukraine, competing parades as east-west divisions deepenPro-Moscow separatists paraded Ukrainian prisoners of war in Donetsk to the delight of cheering crowds today, as Kiev celebrated independence with a rare military parade in the capital.
Macedonia goes neo-classical – or is it just going kitsch?Some say Macedonia's 'branding' blitz, which has sown the country with statues and colonnades, alienates its Albanian population by glossing over their role in its history.
