All Europe
No haven from hardship: Why some Syrians return from EuropeWhy would refugees who emptied their savings, took on debt, and risked their lives to reach Europe just a few years ago head back to a perilous Syria? Part 10 of On the Move: the faces, places, and politics of migration.
First LookAs European soccer clubs push gender equality, Real Madrid falls behindReal Madrid is one of the increasingly few top European soccer clubs that don't have a professional women's team and the club says among its plans to launch into esports and build a theme park, it won't field a women's team any time soon.
Witty repartee still features in Parliament. But does it persuade anymore?After watching the oratory in the British House of Commons, American congressional speechmaking seems like an inferior method of debate. But is Parliament truly as persuasive as it seems?
Book lovers fill gap left by tainted prize, but will Nobel be back in 2019?The New Academy’s recognition of Maryse Condé has covered for the lack of a Nobel Prize in Literature in 2018. But the Nobel Committee is still recovering from the issues that waylaid this year’s award.
Trump Tower Moscow: doomed by cultural divides?Much is being made about the legality over then-candidate Donald Trump's attempts to put a Trump Tower in Moscow in 2016. But just how close was he to breaking into Moscow's real estate market?
First LookIn France, mass demonstrations are part of the cultural fabricThough French President Emmanuel Macron has backpedaled on a controversial fuel tax, protests are expected to continue in France over perceived inequality at large. Historically, direct action has been a consistent part of French political culture.
First LookIn a first step toward peace, Yemen factions meet in SwedenLeaders from both sides in the Yemen conflict – the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels and the US-sponsored internationally recognized government – will come together Dec. 6 in Sweden to find solutions toward ending a catastrophic three-year war.
First LookBelgian Africa Museum to take a more nuanced look at colonial pastAfter more than 10 years of renovation, the Africa Museum in Belgium will reopen Dec. 8 with a new perspective on Belgium's influence in Congo. The museum, built by colonialist King Leopold II, will now address Belgian abuses in Africa along with the development sponsored by the European nation.
Black Pete no more? Tide turning against Dutch Santa's blackfaced helper.The controversy over Black Pete, Santa Claus's helper long portrayed in blackface, seems to be as much a tradition in the Netherlands as the holidays themselves. But the debate may have reached a tipping point.
The ExplainerWill British politicians OK a Brexit bill that few are happy with?With MPs pulling in different directions, the only guarantee is that Britain’s relationships with the rest of the EU will be different regardless of Parliament’s vote Dec. 11.
First LookAs 'yellow vest' protests ramp up, Macron suspends fuel-tax increasesIn response to a wave of sometimes violent protests in France, President Emmanuel Macron has suspended planned fuel tax increases for at least six months. The move has done little to placate protesters, who see Mr. Macron as representing big business and the urban "elite."
First LookIn third week of protests, 'yellow vests' demand economic change from MacronNationwide protests over the weekend in France turned violent as popular anger against fuel increases metastasized into a larger social movement against declining living standards for the country's middle and working classes.
As odds of Corbyn government grow, British Jews eye anti-Semitism in LabourAs a no-deal Brexit looks increasingly possible, so too does the swap of Theresa May’s Conservative government for a Labour one led by Jeremy Corbyn. That possibility worries – and may hinge on – Britain’s Jews.
Russia-Ukraine crisis turns on Kiev politics, irreconcilable views of CrimeaKiev and the West have been quick to cast blame for last weekend’s naval incident at the Kerch Strait on Russia. But a major cause may be Ukraine’s own internal politics and unstable democracy.
Art lessons: Why France is giving countries back their cultural treasures“It belongs in a museum,” as Indiana Jones once said of an artifact. But which museum? From Easter Island to Greece, countries are asking for their cultural treasures back – and, in a sign the tide may be shifting, a leader of a colonial power has said yes.
Behind Ukraine-Russia naval tensions, a more brutal economic warTrade ties with western Europe haven't matched Ukraine's hopes. That gives Russia extra leverage over a neighbor with whom historic bonds run deep, even amid the current situation off the shores of Crimea.
First LookEU approves May's Brexit deal as its fate heads to WestminsterEuropean leaders met on Sunday to approve UK Prime Minister May's Brexit deal after a year and a half of negotiations. It will face stiff opposition in the British Parliament from the Labor Party, Scottish nationalists, and conservative Torries.
First LookRussia attacks Ukrainian navy in Black Sea – Kiev to vote on martial lawThree Ukrainian naval ships were attacked by Russia near Russian-annexed Crimea on Sunday, escalating tensions between the two countries. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has called for parliament to enact martial law ahead of March elections.
In nationalism and patriotism, a battle over words and ideasNationalism shapes the politics of both Europe and the United States, but their historical experiences with it differ. In Europe, the distinction between “nationalism” and “patriotism” defines the continent’s past and, perhaps, its future.
Think again? Calls mount for British to vote again on Brexit.In a democracy, when have the people really decided? Disappointment with the British government's negotiated terms for withdrawal from the European Union is fueling a campaign for a second Brexit referendum.
