Topic: Muhammad Ali

Egypt's misguided search for heroes

A change of mind-set about Egypt's history and future is necessary in that country. The history of nations is not defined by heroes in the presidential palace but by heroes on the street. Egypt must focus on building citizen-led institutions to best meet current and future challenges.

When diplomatic language isn't just double talk

When a former secretary of State describes the US and China as 'frenemies,' she reminds the Monitor's language columnist that diplomatic lingo isn't all euphemism.

Change Agent Search for Common Ground uses TV soaps to promote peace

Now in its 30th year Search for Common Ground uses a variety of methods, including TV soap operas, to build peace and avoid conflict in 30 countries around the world.

The Malala moment: 6 Pakistani views on the girl shot by the Taliban

The shooting of 14-year-old Malala Yousufzai by a Taliban gunman has shocked Pakistan and led to some extraordinary writing in the press on how Islamic radicalism is enabled. On the back foot for years, liberals are getting a new hearing against extremist religious parties, the powerful military, and a populist anti-US politician.

Usain Bolt: ultimate showman delivers unforgettable Olympic moment, again

Usain Bolt won the 100 meters at the London Olympics Sunday in stunning fashion, once again showing that he is at his best when the stakes are highest. All eyes turn to the 200 meters.

Opening ceremony London 2012 to wow with memorable show

Opening ceremony: London 2012's kickoff promises to set the capital apart, by being different.

Ernest Borgnine: An actor with nearly seven decades on screen (+video)

Ernest  Borgnine worked in more than 200 films and TV shows, including McHale's Navy. Ernest Borgnine, who passed on Sunday, won an Academy Award in the 1995 movie "Marty."

BCS National Championship Game: LSU vs. Alabama in football rematch heaven (+video)

LSU and Alabama will play for all the marbles Monday night in New Orleans. Will the national title game resemble the regular season's first meeting?

Muhammad Ali joins US Muslim appeal to Iran to release US hikers

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali lends his name to the US Muslim leaders' appeal at the request of the families of the two US hikers, who have been held in Iran nearly two years.

Muhammad Ali willing to visit Iran to free hikers

Muhammad Ali: According to wife Lonnie Ali, such a visit would depend on her husband's health. Parkinson's Disease has limited his speech and physical activity.

Sugar Ray Leonard: Former pro boxing champ wants to show off his dance moves

Sugar Ray Leonard has been named to the list of celebrities that will compete on ABC's 'Dancing With The Stars.' Will Sugar Ray Leonard's quick feet inside a boxing ring give him an edge on the dance floor?

Manny Pacquiao visits White House and Congress

Manny Pacquiao visits Washington: world champion boxer and Filipino Congressman, Manny Pacquiao, met with President Obama in the White House and Sen. Harry Reid on Capitol Hill.

Special Report: How the Egyptian revolt will recast the Middle East

Three scenarios for the way the uprising might end and what it all means for the US, Israel, and Iran.

Protests in Egypt: the real reason for Obama's two-handed game

Commentators have castigated the Obama administration for not demanding the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak and the institution of democratic elections. Yet this 'passivity' may not be a function of support for Mubarak’s dictatorship but rather a desire to retain the Egyptian military as a reliable partner throughout rapidly changing political circumstances.

State of the Union: Choosing the right words to bring a nation together

Words can harm. Words can heal. The best speeches ever delivered asked not for anything but the better angels of our nature.

Two sisters bring performance art to Syria

In Syria, a country with significant state censorship, the arts are given freer rein – which these sisters' are embracing.

As Palin and Beck rise on the right, where is the left's answer?

Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck's ascent has taken ribbing from Keith Olbermann and the Huffington Post, but the left lacks a mobilizing media mouthpiece of its own.

Ten-foot-tall prehistoric 'terror bird' had a fearsome bite

Andalgalornis, a prehistoric, flightless, carnivorous bird that lived in South America, subdued its prey using a repeated attack-and-retreat strategy, landing well-targeted, hatchet-like jabs with its massive beak.

Shaquille O'Neal wants a new nickname: the 'Green Monster'?

Shaquille O'Neal, the newest member of the Boston Celtics, has announced that he's looking for a new nickname. If you think he's just 'Shaq,' you haven't been paying attention.

One Crazy Summer

Strangest. Summer. Ever.

Into the Story

From Bill Clinton to Vince Lombardi, a collection of the best from journalist David Maraniss.

Who owns an artist's legacy?

Digital media open the door to mash-ups, tributes, and other reinventions.

Sundance: Take my film ... please!

The annual indie film festival is proving a tough sell for moviemakers as the economy craters and distribution channels shrink.

Prices on Mailer's moon book are out of this world

Unemployed? This week's offbeat openings.