Topic: Alexander the Great

Reader recommendation: Ghost on the Throne

Monitor readers share their favorite book picks.

Ancient and modern: Iran's lush cuisine

As talk goes nuclear, a journalist gets a taste of the culture.

Cookbook review: 'Food of Life'

'Food of Life: Ancient Persian and Modern Iranian Cooking and Ceremonies' by Najmieh Batmanglij is a treasured collection of classic Iranian recipes.

Obama as Roman emperor -- the rise and fall of the propaganda master

President Barack Obama's campaign of images, emotions, and themes won him tremendous popularity – and the presidency. Now, his poll numbers are dragging, his followers disillusioned. To understand the 'ruler cult' cycle, we must look to ancient Roman emperors like Augustus.

Band practice for refugees

Young Palestinians gain self-esteem – and find a welcome precision – in a camp-based bagpipe band in southern Lebanon.

Tipping point in Bosnia, Serbia, and Kosovo: EU and NATO must finish the job

Despite progress, trouble looms in Bosnia, Serbia, and Kosovo. Better engagement now by NATO and the EU can prevent backsliding.

America's celebrity obsession: Can't live with it or without it

Blame the media or blame ourselves for our current celebrity obsession. Either way, it is causing people to go to absurd lengths to grab a piece of fame.

Key to Afghan crisis: tea and education

Greg Mortenson, author of 'Three Cups of Tea,' says success lies in building trust and schools in rural Afghanistan.

More troops in Afghanistan? Naysayers gain clout with Obama

Obama faces pressure to choose an Afghanistan plan that doesn't call for huge commitment of troops.

Syria: Where war hides history

What's in a name? In Macedonia, this is no easy question.

In an interview, Macedonia's new president, Gjorge Ivanov, says he hopes to resolve a long-simmering name dispute with Greece.

Fighting a high-tech war with a low-tech mule

US Marines and soldiers are training to fight in Afghanistan, where mules and donkeys can haul supplies and weapons to places where Humvees and helicopters can't easily go.

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about the affect of Alexander the Great on the present-day Balkan states, why China must allow academic freedom, why the end of US evangelism could be a good thing, and the right of employers to prevent their workers from wearing the

2,300 years later, 'Alexander-mania' grips Macedonia

Much to the anger of Greece, the ancient conqueror is making a big comeback in Macedonia – he's arriving just in time for Sunday's election.

Six Picks: Recommendations from the Monitor staff

India's epic history on TV, Japan's thriving game arcades, and a game of charades that you can play by yourself.

Napoleon in Egypt

An insightful look at Napoleon's 'other army' – the Savants who stormed Egypt.

The Ayatollah Begs to Differ

Obama's speech through the eyes of the media

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about the dispute over the name Macedonia.

Is it Macedonia by any other name?

Tatters of Alexander the Great's empire aren't arguing over territory, but what a nation can call itself.

Gossip sites push Web 'anonymity' to fore

From Wikileaks to JuicyCampus, new outlets for unattributed comments affect the way we view information.