Topic: Benito Mussolini

The Daily Reckoning
Hitler and the false lure of more is better

Nazi Germany's economy was not a central planning success, it was a disaster. Is there a lesson for today?

Fenway Park: 5 new books about the beloved ballpark

5 new books to check out about the fabled stadium

6 of history's forgotten stories

From "The Man Who Shot The Man Who Shot Lincoln" by Graeme Donald, here are six stories that you didn't hear in history class.

Could NATO's Libya mission be its last hurrah?

With the austerity gripping Europe and a new generation of leaders not shaped by cold-war politics, NATO's future is increasingly in question.

What's behind Putin's drive for a 'unified civil front' in Russia

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin called for merger of political parties and social groups. Some observers say it's a bid to boost poll numbers, while others see it as throwback to Soviet-era engineering.

Rebels defy Qaddafi's fear offensive in Libya's western mountains

Zintan, a critically important town on the southern slopes of the Nafusah mountain range, has become a symbol of rebellion. It endured a barrage of rocket fire this week as Qaddafi continued punishing it.

The Double Hour: movie review

In the psychological thriller 'The Double Hour,' an ex-cop and chambermaid meet at a dating club and hit it off, only to have tragedy strike.

Backchannels
Libyan rebels race to Ras Lanuf, then beat a hasty retreat

Journalist Gert Van Langendonck explores the history of Ras Lanuf, the front line in Libya's war now – and in ancient times.

Opinion: What Italy's history suggests for US policy in Middle East

March 17 isn't just St. Patrick's Day. This year, it's the 150th anniversary of Italy as a modern state. Those who don’t believe that Egypt or others in the region can become prosperous democracies should consider the Italy's history – and what it suggests for US policy in the Middle East now.

Ten best movies of 2010

If you haven't yet seen any or all of my top 10, I envy what awaits you. These are Monitor Film Critic Peter Rainer's favorite films of the year.

Twilight at the World of Tomorrow

A stranger-than-fiction true story about the 1939 World’s Fair and one of the remarkable characters behind it.

Leo and His Circle

This biography of “gallerist” Leo Castelli paints a wonderful portrait of the hurly-burly 20th-century New York art world.

Vincere: movie review

'Vincere' follows Mussolini's early rise to power and the little-known story of the wife and child he abandoned along the way.

Harlan – In the Shadow of 'Jew Süss': movie review

‘Harlan’ explores a German filmmaker’s Nazi-era propaganda movie and its effect on the extended family down the years.

Will Italy's sympathy for Berlusconi allow him to avoid corruption trials?

In Italy, sympathy for embattled Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi after a Dec. 13 attack could prove a useful means of dividing the opposition, rebuilding his popularity, and manipulating the judicial system.

Berlusconi, bruised, leaves hospital and vows to get back to work

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi left the hospital on Thursday, four days after an assault left him bloody and bruised. The aftermath of the incident has revealed a rising level of rancor in Italian politics.

The New Economy
Ben Bernanke is Time's Person of the Year. Is he doomed?

In picking Ben Bernanke as Person of the Year, Time magazine hopes to do better than the last time it anointed an economic mastermind.

Opinion: Palin's populist book tour won't help GOP

Instead of going rogue, Republicans should cultivate leadership in ideas and solutions.

Global News Blog
Italy's Mussolini earned $6,000 a week as WWI agent for Britain

Benito Mussolini, Italy's fascist dictatorship, was paid $6,000 a week as a propaganda agent for Britain when Italy's alliance was shaky in WWI.

The New Economy
Out of work? This week's most intriguing job offers.

Opinion: A day of reckoning for Bush's 'torture' lawyers

Attorney General Eric Holder must follow the gold standard of Nuremburg.

Global News Blog
Italy's Berlusconi remains popular – though not with his wife

The economy is in tatters, he's been accused of having an affair with a teenager, and his wife announced her intentions to divorce in a newspaper, but Berlusconi's popularity remains strong.

An Italian prince waltzes into politics

Prince Emmanuel Filiberto of Savoy hopes his recent win in Italy's 'Dancing With the Stars' will ignite a political career in his homeland.

Chapter & Verse
The latest hot romance novel – by Napoleon?

Good-bye, privatization; hello, nationalization

The Monitor's language columnist observes how Americans seem to be losing (some of) their fear of a hitherto scary term.