Topic: France

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Could chemical weapons in Syria force Obama's hand?

President Obama last August declared that any use or transport of Syria's chemical weapons would constitute a 'red line' for US policy toward the country. Now Israel, Britain, and France say they have evidence that Syria has crossed that line.
Energy Voices BP delays $10 billion Gulf of Mexico project due to rising costs

BP's largest new oil project in the Gulf, called Mad Dog Phase 2, sits atop a 4 billion barrel oil field. BP blames 'market conditions and industry inflation' for delay.
France approves gay marriage after surprisingly violent debate

The French parliament voted to legalize gay marriage today, becoming the 14th country to do so. But France's road to marriage equality has been surprisingly divisive, bitter, and even bloody.
Terrorism & Security Israel charges Syria with lethal chemical weapons use

The Israeli military says its evidence shows that the Syrian regime used sarin gas during a March clash with rebels, reversing earlier reports that no such weapons had been used.
Explosion at French Embassy in Libya highlights security challenges (+video)

The explosion wounded two French guards in what appeared to be the first major terrorist attack on a diplomatic compound in Tripoli since the ouster of Col. Muammar Qaddafi.
Germany fines Google 140,000 euros for Street View data breach

Google has admitted that it collected data from Wi-Fi networks, but the company says it did so inadvertently.
Terrorism & Security Taliban seize international hostages from helicopter

A helicopter carrying foreign nationals made an emergency landing due to poor weather conditions in Afghanistan, where they were seized by the Taliban.
London marathon message: 'Runners are stronger than bombers'

On Sunday the mood at the London marathon was festive, as many runners paid tribute to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.
Why did West, Texas, build homes and a school next to a 'time bomb'?

The town of West, Texas, and the West Fertilizer Company grew and prospered together. But profit motives, a sense of civic trust and Catch-22 zoning laws failed to recognize the danger brought to light when the plant exploded this week with the force of a small nuclear bomb.
Difference Maker Paul Giniès turned a failing African university into a world-class problem-solver

Today 2iE is recognized as a 'center of excellence' producing top-notch home-grown African engineers ready to address the continent's problems.
Texas fertilizer plant: Why was the blast so enormous?

The explosion at a Texas fertilizer plant had the force of a magnitude 2.1 quake. Here's a look at how the combination of fire and materials at the facility could have produced the blast.
Texas fertilizer plant blast: Was it 'freak accident' that tore town apart?

Authorities suspect the massive explosion in West, Texas, was an industrial accident – far from the first time that the building blocks of modern fertilizer caused heavy damage and casualties.
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.
Italians move northward to trade 'la dolce vita' for 'das süsse Leben'

Italian emigration jumped 30 percent from 2011 to 2012, with Germany and Switzerland the most popular destination for Italians looking for work.
Chapter & Verse Boston Marathon bombing: how it compares to the 1920 Wall Street attack

The 1920 bombing of Wall Street, which killed 38 and injured hundreds, was the deadliest terror attack on US civilians until Oklahoma City. The crime has never been solved.
Boston Marathon bombs made with pressure cookers: Big break in case?

Reports suggest that the devices in the Boston Marathon bombings were put in pressure cookers. That suggests the bombs were unsophisticated, but experts warn against rushing to judgment.
2013 Pulitzer Prize winners: 4 excellent books

Months before the Pulitzer Prize committee got there, the Monitor's book critics had already let readers know that these four books were something special. Here's why.
In radical move, Hollande puts a bit more sunshine into French government

Beset by criticism after a cabinet member confessed to tax evasion, French President Hollande told his ministers to reveal their assets – a rare disclosure in a country that talks little about wealth.
Chapter & Verse Interview with poet John Ashbery

John Ashbery is recognized by many critics as one of the most eminent American poets of the 20th-century. He published his first awarding-winning book of poems "Some Trees" in 1956. Today, at 85, Ashbery shows no signs of putting his pen down any time soon. He has recently published a collection of poems entitled "Quick Question."
In Morocco, activists struggle to keep protest fervor alive

After tens of thousands protested on Feb. 20, 2011, Morocco's powerful king pushed through reforms. Two years later, activists say little has changed, and vow to face down threats and keep up pressure for a 'real' democracy.
Chapter & Verse Quidditch World Cup VI this weekend

The top 80 collegiate teams from all over the world will compete in the sixth annual Quidditch Cup this weekend. Yes, it's an actual sport.
Stir It Up! Julia Child's sole meuniere

The dish that set Julia Child on her culinary path was a sole meunière tasted in Rouen, France. Its perfection lies in its simplicity and should be a staple in every home cook's repertoire.
Thomas Jefferson: 16 quotes on his birthday

Here are 16 quotes to mark the birthday of American founding father Thomas Jefferson.
Energy Voices France's geothermal 'fracking' conundrum

France has banned fracking but is now planning to tap into geothermal energy which requires a process similar to fracking, Alic writes. The oil industry likely sees an opportunity to reverse the fracking ban.
For former Iranian 'terrorists,' a warm Washington welcome

With Washington luminaries in attendance, the Iranian dissident group NCRI and its formerly armed wing MEK inaugurated their sleek new offices Thursday, within sight of the White House.