Topic: United States

McCain visits a skeptical Latin America

Presidential hopeful John McCain visited Colombia on Tuesday and wraps up his three-day trip Thursday in Mexico.

From a U.S. hostage in the Colombian jungle, a marriage proposal

While his Colombian girlfriend and twin sons waited, American captive Keith Stansell reached out. He was freed Wednesday.

Loved ones freed in Colombia, family members rejoice

Relatives of former hostages Ingrid Betancourt and Marc Gonsalves had come to London to raise awareness of their detention by FARC rebels. Now, instead, they are being reunited. The families say they will continue to advocate for other hostages still being held.

German bunker tour offers return to cold war

A bunker designed to shelter 400 people for two weeks – including the leader of the former East German state – opens for tours in August.

In Jordan, aid for Iraqi refugees is often redirected

Millions in aid money intended to help war refugees is also helping improve Jordan's beleaguered infrastructure.

A 'surge' unit sees change, but questions its permanence

As the US Army soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment prepare to return home this month, many question whether the sacrifices they made will have been worth it in the end.

Iran hints at nuclear talk progress, but world still wary of possible conflict

Optimistic comments from the Iranian foreign minister suggest that an accord with West may yet be reached.

World

Reporters on the Job

Guantánamo Detainees: shorter wait?

Last month's Supreme Court ruling sets new rules for judges examining habeas corpus challenges from detainees.

Afghanistan death toll pressures U.S., allies

Record U.S. fatalities there last month highlight the need for more troops, but reserves are few.

A town rallies around July 4 (for 224th time)

With the nation's oldest continuous Independence Day parade, Bristol, R.I., comes together.

Opinion: Freedom is self-correcting

It is our right to freedom that has enabled the US to achieve so much.

The Monitor's View: Private patriotism

Questioning Obama's or McCain's service to country is like asking if they love their wives.

US jobs shrink steadily but not precipitously

The 62,000 drop in June ties May's total as the smallest employment drop so far this year.

Roundup: Smart Cars, the end of civilization, and fat-to-fuel

A look at what's happening on some of those other websites.

The obligatory fireworks post

It's the Fourth of July again, which means that greens across the nation will have the opportunity to look like unpatriotic ninnies by pointing out that fireworks are bad for the environment.

EarthTalk: Green alternatives to DEET-based bug sprays

Many botanical sprays tested were nearly worthless, but two new alternatives seem promising.

Follow-up: News about world fisheries

Congress hits shark ‘finning’ practice; fleet subsidies cut would be ‘historic’; whales don’t compete with humans for fish, studies show.

Sonar enters the third dimension

New style of 3-D sensors lets ships avoid hidden obstacles.

The bald eagle's wings of freedom

The noble bird is an ideal symbol of America.

Demonyms and our fluid sense of place

Identifiers that used to anchor characteristics to communities may be slipping away in an increasingly unrooted world.

Christianity in a Chinese workplace? For some.

A strategic semiconductor firm gets leeway on promoting faith in its halls.

How much of a threat is Al Qaeda in North Africa?

Despite Algerian insurgents' stated intentions to strike in Europe, some officials remain skeptical that an attack outside Africa is possible.

USA