Topic: Volgograd

Good Reads: Drones, Al Qaeda, and American exceptionalism

The debate over the use of drones – President Obama's weapon of choice in the war against Al Qaeda – has gathered steam after the killing of US citizen Anwar al-Awlaki.

What's behind Putin's drive for a 'unified civil front' in Russia

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin called for merger of political parties and social groups. Some observers say it's a bid to boost poll numbers, while others see it as throwback to Soviet-era engineering.

Anna Chapman, glamorous Russian spy, bids farewell to astronauts

Anna Chapman, the Russian spy deported from the US, is living the life of a celebrity at home, defying espionage convention and casting doubt over whether she was ever a real spy.

Notes on the Underground

A little book on the origins of the names of stations on London's Tube prompts the Monitor's language columnist to consider the magic of place names.

Anna Chapman deported to Russia, British tabloids will miss her

Anna Chapman, one of 10 Russian spies to be deported from New York Thursday, was once married to a British man in London. He called her "wild."

Russia is getting its 'sphere' back

Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia – Russia is making progress in keeping its neighbors within its 'sphere of influence.'

Why US ignores China and sells arms to Taiwan

Riling China, the US's newest $6.4 billion sale includes 60 Blackhawk helicopters, Patriot missiles, and sophisticated command-and-control software.

The Third Reich at War

This history of World War II from a German perspective is a superb study of a society at war.

Studs Terkel