Topic: Netherlands

No quick recovery for charitable giving

The Great Recession has hurt charitable giving — and may keep on doing so for some time

Swiss minaret ban reflects European fear of Islam

The Swiss vote to ban minarets comes at a time when Muslim populations are growing and Europeans worry about losing traditional Christian culture.

ECONOMIC SCENE: No quick recovery for charitable giving

The Great Recession has hurt charitable giving — and may keep on doing so for some time

Swiss vote to ban minarets showcases new populism

More than 57 percent of Swiss residents who voted Sunday – a majority in 22 out of the country's 26's cantons – approved a proposal to ban the construction of new minarets.

Obama's Afghanistan war speech partly a bid for more foreign troops

In his Afghanistan war speech Tuesday, Obama is expected to call for more US troops to fight. But he'll need as many as 10,000 new foreign troop commitments, too, to get to the force size military commanders say is needed.

Thanksgiving Day: Pilgrims were a surprisingly worldly, tolerant lot

Pilgrims who braved the Mayflower were profoundly shaped by their 11 years in Leiden, Netherlands, where they arrived 400 years ago this year. Deeply devout, they were also some of the most tolerant among Puritan groups who headed to the new world.

Consumer spending, business reports point to moderate recovery

Consumer spending rose 0.7 percent in October, and businesses started adding inventory after 10 months of lowering their stockpiles, according to reports Wednesday. Some see recovery at a moderate pace.

UK Iraq war inquiry: Will Tony Blair come under fire?

A UK Iraq war inquiry began Tuesday, amid allegations that British soldiers abused detainees during the war. The panel is to focus on how and why Britain went to war.

Gardeners love new plants even when they run out of space for them

No more space for plants in the yard? That doesn't stop a gardener from drooling over rare and new shrubs and trees.

Medvedev pitches economic – but not political – changes for Russia

In a state-of-the-nation speech Thursday, Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev reviewed his own pet economic innovations but didn't criticize the tightly controlled political edifice

UN calls organizing Iraq elections a "Herculean task"

The UN special representative Iraq elections must be credible and held on time.

Sesame Street Google doodles coming to a close?

The seventh Sesame Street Google doodle appeared Tuesday, along with a high resolution gallery of the iconic images.

Congress targets major cause of banking crisis: derivatives

The House Financial Services Committee announced a plan Tuesday to give regulators tools needed to crack down on banks' risky behavior. It will be a tough job, experts say.

Floating house could ride New Orleans' floods

Architects have designed a floating house that can withstand up to 12 feet of water.

Microsoft will not challenge Amazon Kindle for e-reader market

Sure, bring your books to Microsoft Reader software, Ballmer says. But no dice on an actual Microsoft e-reader.

Uganda touts capture of top Rwanda genocide suspect

Idelphonse Nizeyimana, the 'Butcher of Butare,' was handed over to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda on Tuesday, one day after being arrested in Uganda.

Opinion: The future of Israel?

A Q-and-A with Dutch novelist and filmmaker Leon de Winter.

A YouTube channel devoted to Anne Frank

Opinion: Best place for Muslims to live? America

Muslim nations could learn a lot from the US.

Latin America breaks ranks in US war on drugs

Many countries in the region – most recently Mexico – have decriminalized small amounts of drugs for personal use. The moves have followed decisions by left-leaning governments to limit cooperation with the US in recent years.

ECONOMIC SCENE: China's investments pose a new global challenge

Within the next decade, China will become the world’s largest equities market.

How to root geraniums

Difference Maker People making a difference: Robert Quinn

When scholars face threats, this global networker finds them safer places to do their work.

Dutch princess visits New York to name tulip for Henry Hudson

An official ceremony was held to announce a new tulip variety named in honor of the 400th anniversary of explorer Henry Hudson’s discovery of Manhattan Island.