All Europe
- Could France's National Front gain a foothold in moderate Brittany?
The French region of Brittany has seen broad protests in recent weeks, which could open the door to the far-right National Front in an area that has long been a bastion of moderation.
- The fate of Pussy Riot or a corrupt official? Putin decides
The unconnected cases of a Pussy Riot singer jailed for an anti-Putin song and a Putin ally linked to a $400 million corruption investigation reveal the Russian leader's power.
- Should the Dutch keep Santa's popular blackfaced pal, Black Pete?
Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam this weekend, accompanied by his curly-wigged helper. But Black Pete's got a new critic this year: the UN.
- Paul McCartney: Hey Vlad, don't make it bad for Greenpeace
Paul McCartney: In an open letter to Putin, Paul McCartney called for the Greenpeace activists charged with hooliganism in Russia to be freed by Christmas.
- Russia opens its arms to Cairo as US-Egypt ties fray
A host of Russian officials, including the foreign and defense ministers, have visited Cairo to explore expanding relations as the US cuts aid to Egypt.
- Teach on Wednesdays? C'est un scandale!
Teachers in France are on strike against a longer academic week that includes classes on Wednesdays – a controversy a bit puzzling to the Monitor's Paris bureau chief.
- Norway weighs going green with its $800 billion pension fund
But while some are calling for Norway to divest itself of foreign coal companies to reduce global warming, there's a wrinkle: Norway is itself a major coal producer.
- Russia backs Iran in post-talks finger-pointing
But while Russia put the blame for the nuclear talks' failure on an unnamed Western nation, its experts say a diplomatic solution for Iran's nuclear ambitions remains likely.
- Will Typhoon Haiyan spur progress at UN climate talks?
The unfolding tragedy in the Philippines may keep UN climate talks, the latest round of which began this week in Warsaw, from getting bogged down in national concerns.
- French exceptionalism? Why France scuttled Iran nuclear agreement.
Foreign Minister Fabius said France won't accept a 'sucker's deal' on Iran's nuclear program, raising questions about its relationship with Iran.
- Will Britain's no-interest Islamic bond generate much interest?
Prime Minister Cameron announced last month that Britain will issue an interest-free, sharia-compliant bond. But Islamic investment may be a tough sell to Muslims.
- Why are Norwegian police so slow to respond to emergencies?
Police were already under fire for their slow response during Anders Behring Breivik's 2011 attacks. And it took them more than an hour to arrive at the scene of Monday's bus hijacking.
- Is 'Spain's Fox News' leading its own Tea Party-style insurrection?
Pedro J. Ramirez, the founder of daily El Mundo and a key shaper of Spain's conservative narrative, appears to have set his sights on conservative Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.
- In Venice, environmentalists tally rare win over tourism
The Italian government announced that it is banning 96,000-plus-ton cruise ships from Venice's canals, and reducing the number of 40,000-plus-ton ships by 20 percent.
- Nazi art cache revealed two years after discovery. Why the delay?
In late 2011, German authorities discovered more than $1 billion worth of art believed seized by Nazis – and only announced the find Tuesday after a magazine broke the story.
- Kosovo's 'Strong Party' backs most everything - but dull politics
The spoof party wants a university in every neighborhood, has 1,500 vice presidents, but is set to win a seat or two as votes are counted from Sunday's election.
- Nazi art trove uncovered in a filthy Munich apartment
Germany authorities today offered further details about the discovery of some $1.3 billion in paintings by Picasso, Matisse, and others, which were believed stolen by Nazis.
- Journalist murders prompt French to ask: How long will we be in Mali?
A few days after celebrating the release of four hostages seized in Niger, France – and its president – are now mourning two journalists killed by militants in Mali.
- Ouster of 'Bishop of Bling' puts heat on wealthy German Catholic Church
The uproar over Bishop Tebartz-van Elst's $47 million in renovations may be a tipping point for the German Catholic Church, whose officials' lifestyle clashes with the pope's austerity.
- Roma 101: Five questions answered about Europe's vilified minority Recent cases of alleged child abduction in Greece and Ireland have brought new attention to stereotypes about the Roma, as well as their ability to integrate into society.