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Global News Blog New Zealand becomes first country in Asia-Pacific to legalize same-sex marriage

The change in New Zealand's law could pressure neighbors such as Australia to consider revising their laws.
John Kerry to Congress: Middle East peace effort is urgent

In his first congressional hearing as secretary of State, John Kerry tells lawmakers that, after the Benghazi attacks, the US must fortify security for diplomats, press for a two-state solution in the Middle East.
Energy Voices A global fracking revolution? Curb your enthusiasm.

While China, Saudi Arabia, and other nations are pushing to replicate America's shale boom, they face huge logistical obstacles. Some nations may find the investment is just too big.
North Korea crisis: Can John Kerry persuade China to lean harder on Kim?

Secretary of State John Kerry meets with Chinese officials in Beijing Saturday, with tensions spiraling ever higher in the region as North Korea threatens to carry out a ballistic missile test.
Baby mementos: Would you want this hanging from your neck?

Baby mementos vary from parent to parent. What's worth saving? Hair? Teeth? Breast milk processed into a pendant? You can buy a kit for that on Etsy.
Change Agent Fiji students set to become the world's savviest savers

The project will teach money-management skills to young students in Fiji using innovative techniques, such as games, that engage as well as inform.
Friend or frenemy? For China, key issue is how US really views it

Both the US and China want to tamp down the North Korea crisis. But as Secretary of State John Kerry visits Beijing this weekend, an underlying issue is mutual suspicion over strategic aims in the Pacific.
Masters 2013: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson looking for another green jacket

The Masters golf tournament, the season's first major event, gets started Thursday morning. Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and defending champ Bubba Watson are part of another impressive field that includes Chinese teenager Tianlang Guan.
Opinion Obama must throw North Korea a curve ball – a helping US hand

The US can exploit Pyongyang and Kim Jong-un's pride by shelving the nuclear issue for now, engaging in talks, and offering substantial aid and investments that boost North Korea's economy and helps its people 'help themselves.' This can break the cycle of threats and blackmail.
North Korea threat: How one island is taking Kim Jong-un more seriously

Island residents of Baengnyeong are at the center of the North-South conflict, and are taking North Korea's threats of a missile test seriously, but calmly.
What hope for diplomacy to defuse North Korea crisis?

Any diplomatic resolution to the North Korea crisis depends upon China's priorities and Kim Jong-un himself. Here's why both are difficult to gauge as Secretary of State John Kerry prepares to travel to the region.
Opinion To break the cycle of North Korea threats, US must put Kim on his heels (+video)

To break the cycle of threats from North Korea, the United States must take a much more assertive stance. Leader Kim Jong-un must be put on the defensive by sending him a clear warning of preemptive action if America and its allies find themselves threatened.
Energy Voices Alberta mulls new emissions rules to allay Keystone XL pipeline concerns

Alberta is considering new rules that would require the oil industry to cut greenhouse gas emissions tied to oil sands production by as much as 40 percent per barrel, Graeber writes. The measure may be part of the government's push to allay Washington's concerns about the Keystone XL pipeline.
The Monitor's View Can hope replace North Korea's fears?

The escalation of fear between North Korea and the US reveals the danger of relying too much on fear of retaliatory nuclear attacks as a strategy for defense. The difficult task of replacing North Korea's fears with hopes of peace and prosperity must continue.
North Korea: What message will John Kerry take to Asia next week?

Secretary of State John Kerry will start a trip to China, South Korea, and Japan next week. Now that the US has taken military precautions, he's expected to speak softly.
What would a Korean war cost? Gauging the economic turmoil.

If a real shooting war came to the Koreas, the economic disruption would be global, though Asian nations likely would pay a higher price than the US. Some economists fear significant long-term changes to international trade.
What should readers look for in new Hillary Clinton memoir?

Hillary Clinton is expected to offer an inside look at her term as secretary of State in a new memoir. But those looking for her thoughts on running for president in 2016 might be disappointed.
Singapore urges Obama to take stronger stand in Asia

In Washington, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong says that the US must strengthen its economic ties in Asia to maintain a leadership role and balance the rise of China.
Kim Jong-un: Can US trust North Korean leader to act rationally?

Kim Jong-un isn't the first North Korean leader to use threats for political gain. But the West doesn't really know what to make of him because of his youth and the uncertainty that shrouds the country.
Backchannels In Indonesia, and Southeast Asia, the return of optimism – and the bankers.

Building booms, easy credit, and predictions that it can only get better from here. Shades of 1996.
Terrorism & Security Myanmar fire kills 13 Muslim students, adding to Buddhist-Muslim tensions

Police are blaming the blaze in Yangon on an electrical short, but some of Myanmar's Muslims are suspicious following religious violence around the country.
Russia going back to Afghanistan? Kremlin confirms it could happen

Nearly 25 years after Soviet troops left Afghanistan in defeat, Russia may return – in order to service the Russian equipment that makes up the backbone of the Afghan military.
US jets to South Korea: F-22 Stealth fighters join drills (+video)

US jets to South Korea: The US sent F-22 stealth fighter jets to South Korea to join military exercises as North Korea threatens war. The US has also sent B-2 bomber jets to South Korea.
North Korea: What happens if Kim Jong-un acts on his threats?

In the event that the 'bellicose rhetoric' of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un turns into something more serious, the opening hours of conflict could be 'pretty ugly,' defense analysts warn.
CSMonitor editors share their favorite people to follow on Twitter

Twitter turned 7 this week. In celebration of the social network's birthday, The Christian Science Monitor compiled a list of favorite Twitter accounts. Each is informative and useful in its own way. Find out what each section recommends for you.