Topic: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Tornado's aftermath: Illinois city is stunned … and roused to action

The swath of destruction from the powerful tornado that hit Harrisburg in southern Illinois was quiet Thursday as homeowners looked through debris and mourned. But elsewhere the city buzzed with activity. 

Backchannels EU heaps new sanctions on Syria

The Council of the European Union is seeking to tighten a financial noose around the regime of Syria's Bashar al-Assad.

Backchannels Syria approves new Constitution as dozens murdered in Homs

The mounting death toll in Homs and other Syrian cities is far more important than a referendum the Syrian government says showed overwhelmingly public support for a new constitution.

Syrians in Homs feel abandoned by world

Residents are pessimistic about last week's "Friends of Syria" conference and say they see no real pressure for change.

Hillary Clinton, at 'Friends' meeting, has encouraging words for Syria rebels

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stopped short of giving an official US nod to the Syrian opposition to the Assad regime. But, as 'Friends of Syria' meeting ends, that move is likely to come soon.

Terrorism & Security American, French journalist killed in Syrian bombardment of Homs (+video)

As Syria continues its assault on Homs, Russia is backing humanitarian assistance and the US has opened the door to arming the opposition. 

In Pictures It's Mardi Gras time all over the world!

29 Chinese kidnapped workers held in Sudan released (+video)

Twenty-nine Chinese workers abducted by rebels in Sudan more than a week ago have been released, state media said.

Difference Maker Deng Fei goes beyond journalism to right wrongs in China

Once a top investigative reporter in China, Deng Fei now writes a popular microblog that moves readers to action.

Famine ends in Somalia, as drought looms in West Africa

Aid groups say that improved harvests and food donations have ended risk of starvation, but warn that ongoing war in Somalia could still reverse gains made. 

Most-wanted terror leaders killed in the Philippines

Philippine officials say they killed members of the group Abu Sayyaf, which has been behind kidnappings, bomb attacks, and beheadings, terrorizing the country for over 20 years.

Multiple attacks in Nigeria kill at least 143

The series of coordinated attacks were attributed to a radical Islamic group.

USS Cole bombing: Judge denies lawyers' bid to meet with unchained client

Lawyers for the alleged USS Cole bombing mastermind say the security restrictions at the Guantanamo Bay terror detention camp are hindering their ability to prepare his defense.

The Monitor's View Humanitarian acts as antidotes to war

Disasters can cause even adversarial nations to enjoy heart-to-heart moments of compassion. Russia delivers emergency fuel to an Alaskan town; the US Navy rescued Iranian fishermen.

Gas prices will drop, Nigerian president says

Gas prices in Nigeria will drop to $2.75 per gallon following a nationwide strike over rising gas prices.

In Haiti, cautious hope around effort to find families new homes

The 16/6 program in Haiti helps families who have lived in tents since the 2010 earthquake move to proper shelter amid long waits for their former homes to be rebuilt. 

Was North Carolina hit by rare winter tornado?

Sixty buildings were damaged in North Carolina and at least 15 people were injured in what the National Weather Service suggests was a tornado. Investigators are surveying the area to confirm if it was a rare, winter tornado.

Millions of barefoot Filipino Catholics defy terror warning

The decision by Filipino President Aquino to announce a terror warning on the eve of the annual Catholic procession, despite no specific threat, underscored the president's concern for public safety, say officials.

Wounded Syrian refugees describe firefight, siege

Most of the Syrian refugees recovering in a Lebanese hospital are from small towns near the border. Their stories illustrate the perils facing many Syrians as Assad's regime cracks down.
12/20/2011 01:53 pm

Typhoon Sendong recovery efforts begin in Philippines

Typhoon Sendong (aka Typhoon Washi) left more than 600 dead this weekend as flash floods hammered the Philippines. There are also more than 800 people missing in the wake of Typhoon Sendong.
12/19/2011 11:28 am

The Monitor's View New wrappings for Christmas giving

Social media, a slow economy, and other trends are forcing big changes in holiday gift-giving and charity donations. But trends in giving still point toward the spirit of Christmas.
12/13/2011 04:13 pm

Santa Ana winds: More high winds expected Friday (video)

Santa Ana winds left a path of destruction through California, Utah, Nevada, Colorado and other Western states. More Santa Ana winds are expected Friday.
12/02/2011 09:45 am

OWS: 'Occupy' protesters prepare for winter

"Occupy" protesters endured their first major snowstorm over the weekend. Will potentially dangerous winter weather hamper the movement?
11/01/2011 04:52 pm

The Complete Peanuts 1981-1982 (Vol. 16)

‘The Great Pumpkin’ season (Halloween to you and me) is a great time of year to treat yourself to some Peanuts.
10/28/2011 05:08 pm

Teen rescued from Turkey quake rubble, as government eyes lax building construction

A teen was pulled from the Turkish quake rubble early Friday morning. Meanwhile, concerns are rising over subpar building construction, which contributed to the quake's toll and is ongoing.
10/28/2011 01:32 pm