Topic: Francisco Franco

In time of trans-Atlantic austerity, US expands military presence in Spain

With its already small defense budget hit hard by the economic crisis Spain is leasing several bases to the US in exchange for access to better technology, intelligence, and training.

Spain's King Juan Carlos fights new pressures to abdicate

Beloved monarch who helped lead Spain to democracy now beset by royal scandals, bad economy. 

Briefing Briefing: Catalonia's bid to breakaway from Spain

Austerity's bite revives a long-running independence push for Spain's Catalonia. How likely is its success?

Could Spain split up? Catalonian vote may birth independence bid. (+video)

If voters give Catalonia's leader Artur Mas strong support on Sunday, he has pledged to hold a referendum on independence from financially troubled Spain.

Barcelona vs Madrid: Battling on the soccer field and off

Spanish soccer rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid tied in a brilliant match yesterday, which was representative of a political battle as well: The Catalonian government is pursuing independence.

Focus In Spain, public distrust feeds economic meltdown

In Spain, misinformation and cover-ups have undermined Spaniards' trust in their government and its plan for economic recovery, with repercussions that could resonate all the way in Brussels.

King Juan Carlos: unprecedented apology speaks to royals' changed image (+video)

King Juan Carlos apologized for taking a lavish hunting vacation amid sharp austerity cuts. Recent scandals have tested popular faith in the monarchy, seen as a unifier in post-Franco Spain.

Garzón's quest for justice crosses a red line in Spain

Judge Baltasar Garzón raised hackles in Spain when he began investigating civil war and Franco-era crimes, ignoring an amnesty law. The effort has effectively ended his career – but started a long-stifled conversation. 

Who is Spain's Judge Baltasar Garzón? Five key questions answered.

Spanish Judge Baltasar Garzón was found guilty today on charges of illegal wiretapping and abuse of power. Garzón is known as a “super judge” because of the high profile human rights cases he has overseen internationally. 

Spain's Basques enter unfamiliar territory of peacetime politics

The Basque terrorist group ETA, Europe's last violent separatist movement, agreed to a cease-fire last year, paving the way for Basques to engage in the political process.

Spain's bold move to limit its debt

Spain voted in favor of a constitutional amendment to cap deficit spending by 2020, boosting its credibility amid Europe's debt crisis. But many Spaniards were upset with the rushed reform.
09/02/2011 01:54 pm

Prince William and Kate Middleton royal wedding: Do monarchies still matter?

Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal wedding may have tinges of the turreted-castle fairy tale. But from romantic to ruthless, more than 40 modern monarchies, including Prince William's family, still influence global realities for better or worse.
02/16/2011 12:52 pm

Opinion On its 150th anniversary, US Civil War matters more than ever

The conflict between North and South stands as one of the only civil wars in human history that did not end in monarchy or dictatorship. Its lessons hold enduring value for the modern struggle to defend liberal democratic principles without compromising them in times of existential crisis.
12/30/2010 09:14 am

In Pictures Tomatina festival

Gallery Royal families: Europe's last monarchies

The Vote Sarah Palin STILL not getting a divorce (in case you don't believe it)

08/01/2009 01:00 am

Barcelona over Manchester United: a victory for Catalonia

The soccer team may reside in Spain, but it's raison d'etre is for regional autonomy.
05/29/2009 01:00 am

Studs Terkel

11/02/2008 01:00 am

'New Europe' flexes its muscle at Eurovision song contest

Serbia, 2007 winner thanks to Balkan bloc, hosts Saturday's final.
05/24/2008 01:00 am