Topic: European Union

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When dictators fall, so do their banknotes

The following now defunct or possibly soon-to-be defunct banknotes are imbued with the symbols and iconography of their leaders, past and present.
Beyond the 'fiscal cliff': 6 reasons to be optimistic about America's future

As Americans take stock of 2012 and gear up for 2013, it's tempting to adopt "decline think" about the country, especially since there is still no deal to avoid the "fiscal cliff" of steep budget cuts and tax increases. But here are six reasons Americans should still be optimistic about their future.
In key Syrian city, snipers and bombing tear at fabric of daily life

As rebels and the Syrian government battle for control of Aleppo, residents tap caution – and dark humor – to survive.
10 ways the Android is better than iPhone 5

Sure a larger iPhone screen, 4G LTE support and a faster CPU are welcome additions, but Apple is a year late and $199 short. Android has provided all these features and more.
For these four nations, 2012 is worse than the Great Recession

The Great Recession of 2008/09 delivered the worst blow to the global economy since the 1930s. But in a few nations, 2012 is turning out to be worse than 2009 in terms of economic growth. Europe's debt crisis, the general slowing of the world economy, and domestic political troubles have played a role in undercutting 2012 growth for one or more of these four nations. Can you guess who they are?

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Obama offers olive branch to Iran in new video

The president seeks 'new beginnings' with the Iranian people and leaders in a message marking the Iranian new year.
Latvia uses police to quash talk of economic collapse

EU leaders met in Brussels for a two-day summit on how to help struggling Eastern European economies, such as Latvia.
Madagascar 'coup' riles African, international allies

New leader Andry Rajoelina has asserted control as the South African Development Community threatens to suspend Madagascar.
USA
Italy offers banks a $15.5 billion lifeline

A caveat: More credit must go to small firms. Obama is also pushing aid to small businesses.
Macedonia seeds hope in 5 million new trees

The tiny Balkan country greets spring – and safeguards the environment – with a massive reforestation initiative.
Close call puts focus on traffic jam in space

The International Space Station’s narrow miss last week highlights the risk of collisions with space junk.
Some in Eastern Europe ask: What economic crisis?

Ahead of G-20 summit, Czech and Polish leaders say their banks have no toxic debt and auto factories are humming.
Worries rise about a currency crisis
Northern Ireland refuses to cede peace

Protestants and Catholics unify in vigils to protest the violence.
Opinion: Reports of America's decline are greatly exaggerated

Here are six reasons why US economic clout will endure.
US urges a global economic fix

Ahead of the G-20 finance ministers’ meeting, Obama calls for allies to increase stimulus efforts – and meets a cool response.
The Monitor's View: Obama's shaky trust in science

On stem cells, he's for the science. But not on climate change – unless the EPA acts.
World
Clinton looks to 'reset' US-Russia relations

Clinton met with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and stressed improving ties between the two countries.
World
Opinion: Build on Bush's Middle East progress

Despite Bush's early mistakes, Obama's team can keep valuable momentum there.
At Gaza donor conference, Clinton vows to pursue Middle East peace

The US pledged $900 million, but said the money would not go to Hamas.
The Monitor's View: Thawing out 'Cold War II'

As the US seeks to 'reset' ties with Russia, it must not expect a complete reboot.
Iran pushes Iraq to close MKO camp

Camp Ashraf, which came under Iraqi control Jan. 1, is home to militants who Iran and Iraq say should be expelled. The MKO is on a US list of terrorist groups.
World
EU summit pledges help – but offers no more money – for struggling East
Ireland's boom ends – with a vengeance

Protests and anger grow as 'Celtic Tiger's' economy takes nosedive.
EU to promise $556 million for Palestinian aid. But who will oversee Gaza reconstruction?
Letters to the Editor

Readers write about Syria's wide range of economic ties, why speech rights vary from country to country, and what Obama can learn from Ronald Reagan.