Topic: London (England)

Georgia says Russia downed spy plane

The incident contributes to ongoing regional tensions between Russia and former Soviet territories that favor Western ties and NATO membership.

The Monitor's View: Pony up for better transit

Fixing US roads and bridges requires market solutions and more gas-tax dollars.

London mayoral race: a contest of eccentrics

Outspoken conservative Boris Johnson leads 'Red' Ken Livingstone in the polls.

Reporters on the Job

For many U.S. athletes, an Olympics boycott is out

Olympic hopefuls gathered in Chicago this week say that boycotts do not work. Athletes who were unable to compete in 1980 concur.

Chinese vent anti-Western fury online

Bloggers are now calling for boycotts and stoking death threats over perceived insults from Westerners who have criticized China's human rights record ahead of this summer's Olympic Games.

Protests or not, Olympic torch officials plan to stay the course

Further demonstrations are expected at upcoming stops, which include Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

Former British spy's WWII exploits revealed

Pearl Cornioley passed secret messages in the hem of her skirt during World War II.

In Iraq, Sunni insurgents still aim to oust U.S., Shiites

In an interview, a member of the Islamic Army of Iraq speaks of his group's long-term goals.

Al Qaeda mastermind believed dead

Abu Obaidah al-Masri, a secretive figure behind foiled terrorist plots in Europe, died a year ago, US intelligence officials say.

Tibetan leaders struggle to speak for split populace

The government in exile is popular but faces pressure from moderates and radicals.

Basra strike against Shiite militias also about oil

Iraq's oil minister says the assault helped curb oil smuggling.

Opinion: Olympic boycotts – a bad idea

They don't work. Instead, promote the Olympic truce.

In Paris, Olympic torch ignites protests

Amid numerous disruptions of the torch relay, IOC President Jacques Rogge called on China to quickly resolve unrest in Tibet.

Convicted terrorists escape Moroccan jail

The jailbreak coincides with the trial in London of eight suspects who allegedly attempted to bomb transatlantic planes.

Olympic torch protests chagrin many Chinese-Americans

In San Francisco's Chinatown, support for the torch relay Wednesday has more to do with cultural pride than political concerns.

Zimbabwe elections: Will the world stop Mugabe?

President Robert Mugabe is 'preparing for war,' according to the main opposition leader.

Counterterror debate turns to troop levels in Afghanistan, Iraq

Democrats say an overemphasis on the war in Iraq has come at the expense of Afghanistan and has allowed Al Qaeda to regroup in that region.

World

Opinion: Iraq's Shiite power vacuum

Sistani's clout is diminishing. Sadr is eyeing his spot.

Turkish case revives secular vs. Islam debate

Court will hear arguments on whether to shutter Turkey's Islamic-rooted ruling party.

New Zawahiri tape suggests Al Qaeda PR shift

The latest audio message from No. 2 Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri signals growing doubt among supporters, experts say.

Mugabe era's end may be near

Zimbabwe's long-time ruler may be running out of options after Saturday's vote.

The Monitor's View: New cats for Wall Street's mice

A Treasury plan to simplify rules for the financial industry could both nurture and fix it.

Sadr reins in Shiite militiamen, sends mixed signals

Battles continued to rage Sunday between the radical cleric's Mahdi Army and Iraqi and US forces.