Topic: Ireland

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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.
Thousands protest in Ireland to liberalize abortion laws

The recent death of a woman reportedly denied an abortion has sparked outrage. In Dublin, thousands of marchers demanded liberalization of Ireland's tough – and, some say, unclear – anti-abortion laws.
Stefan Karlsson Six types of European economic trends

Recent EU data shows great divergences in Europe between different countries in economic growth, Karlsson writes.
Ireland: We will clarify abortion law to avoid tragedy repeat (+video)

The Irish government's pledge to clarify when abortions are allowed comes amid a furor over the death of Savita Halappanavar, who was denied a termination following her miscarriage.
Irish abortion debate inflamed by pregnant woman's death

The death of Savita Halappanavar, who was reportedly denied an abortion when miscarrying, has upped the urgency of Ireland's current review of its near-total abortion ban.
Chapter & Verse World Book Night returns to the US

After reading celebration World Book Night debuted in America for the first time last year, it will be held again this April.
Bram Stoker books: 9 things you didn't know about the 'Dracula' author

Bram Stoker is the godfather of the vampire craze, but the writer is often a mystery to modern readers. Here are 9 facts you probably don't know about the author.
Global News Blog Obama victory a sure thing? A top Irish bookmaker thinks so.

Irish betting firm Paddy Power is so confident in an Obama win that they're paying out early to those that bet on the president's reelection. So far they've paid $650,000 to winners.
Change Agent One by one, Vietnam deals with unexploded bombs

Since starting work in Vietnam in 1999, the Mines Advisory Group has destroyed an average of 15,000 unexploded bombs from the Vietnam War era each year that continue to kill or injure thousands of Vietnamese.
Sean Penn turns in an over-the-top performance in 'This Must Be the Place'

Sean Penn stars as a burned-out former rock star in 'This Must Be the Place.'
Northern Irish police arrest two for prison guard's murder

One of the two men arrested, alleged republican militant Colin Duffy, has been charged with multiple murders over the past two decades, although he was never successfully convicted.
Did global warming cause superstorm Sandy? (+video)

Climate scientists warn that global warming is likely to increase the incidence of serious events like Hurricane Sandy. Warming water and rising sea levels may be contributing to what New York politicians are calling their 'new reality.'
Cover Story Is Europe really on the brink?

Europe's biggest crisis in the postwar era is not just about the economy. It's about a search for identity – and a rationale for staying unified.
Spanish elections bolster Rajoy's austerity policies

Prime Minister Rajoy's ruling, pro-austerity party was a winner in Spain's regional elections this weekend, but so were independence-minded parties that could hurt his economic measures.
Reverse brain drain: Poles circulate home and out again to Europe

In the global reverse brain drain, migrants begin to influence a frumpy, provincial Poland in everything from toilets to insurance coverage to workplace attitude.
Cover Story Reverse brain drain: Economic shifts lure migrants home

The tide of brain drain – from developing countries to industrialized nations – has turned. Human capital is returning home to Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Africa, while some European professionals squeezed by the recession, turn toward developing countries for advancement.
Reader recommendation: The Forgotten Waltz

Monitor readers share their favorite book picks.
Colleen LaRose ('Jihad Jane') faces life in prison in December sentencing

Colleen LaRose called herself 'Jihad Jane.' She admitted she plotted to kill a Swedish artist who offended Muslims. Colleen LaRose's sentencing was delayed until December.
EU critics slam Nobel Peace Prize decision

The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union has been met with disdain by so-called euroskeptics, who view the 27-nation blog as both impotent and meddlesome.
Abortion debate heats up in Ireland as law revision looms

A team of experts is set to issue recommendations on how to clarify once-staunchly Catholic Ireland's abortion laws, spurring both pro-life and pro-choice groups to take to the streets.
Opinion What if Britain left the European Union?

Amid the debt crisis in Europe, Euro-skeptics in Britain are dominating public discourse. British Prime Minister David Cameron is publicly hinting at a referendum on membership in the European Union. But remember, Britain, if you leave the EU, it's cold out there.
'Casual Vacancy' + two more noteworthy fall novels

'Casual Vacancy' + two more noteworthy fall novels
Land of opportunity for Southern Europeans? Germany.

German businesses are turning to Spaniards, Greeks, Italians, and others from high-unemployment eurozone countries. But immigrants may find themselves in remote areas – and struggling with the language.
Stefan Karlsson Why is British unemployment so low?

The British economy is experiencing its worst spell since the 1930s, but unemployment has been relatively moderate. The cause? Low productivity.
Trial of pope's butler: Journalists admitted, but secret evidence not

Paolo Gabriele, the once-trusted valet who used to dress the 85-year-old German pontiff, is charged under Vatican law with the 'aggravated theft' of confidential papers.