World - The Christian Science Monitor

Turkey election: Does Kurdish leader jailed as 'terrorist' hold the key?

Turkish President Erdoğan has tried mightily to consolidate power, imprisoning foes as 'terrorists' in authoritarian fashion. But the democratic impulse in the country is still strong.

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First Look World Cup host Russia defies Soviet-era, hostile image with smiles

In the spirit of the World Cup and with the convenience of Google Translate, Russians are setting aside political tensions and language barriers to eagerly welcome visitors and fans from all over the world.

First Look Syrian family one of fortunate few to find a new home in Britain

Community members in Kingston upon Thames, a town in southwest London, have opened their homes and hearts to Syrian refugees who have escaped from their war-torn hometowns. Britain has resettled 7,000 refugees so far in the country.
Macedonia renamed: Countries' name-changes try to 'clean the slate'

On Sunday, Greek and Macedonian officials reached an agreement to solve a three-decade dispute over Macedonia's name. If the change is approved, the Republic of North Macedonia will join a small club of countries once known by a different name.
In Italy, how one cooperative is trying to counter the Mafia’s influence

The organization Beyond the Dreams provides a glimpse into Italy’s challenges, which on one hand are distinctive and yet resonate far beyond its borders.
Vote-buying in Turkey? Price is high, satisfaction not guaranteed.

A $5.5 billion social benefits package that likely will stress Turkey's economy is being interpreted as a sign that President Erdoğan and his party could be in trouble in upcoming elections.
One answer to the bee crisis: Turn everyone into backyard breeders

A steady decline in the bee population has prompted two biologists to sell and oversee bee homes in Switzerland and now France.

Populist wave, 'crisis overload' weaken global voices for human rights

Human rights, long a guiding force in world affairs, are under attack from a new generation of populist and authoritarian leaders, and traditional rights champions have vacillated.
First Look Merkel says EU meeting will be focused on solutions to migrant issues

Amid tensions over whether or not migrants should continue being admitted into Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel is heading an upcoming meeting with European nations to discuss potential paths forward to help ease problems associated with migration.
First Look North, South Korea to host reunions for war-split families

In an effort to further peace talks, this August North and South Korea will each send 100 people to reunite with family members divided by the Korean War. Since 2000 nearly 20,000 Koreans have participated in 20 rounds of family reunions.
War games 'very provocative'? To S. Korea, so is calling them off

President Trump's decision to call of an annual joint military exercise with South Korea has led some analysts to question if outreach to Kim signals a US retreat from the region.
As OPEC watches nervously, Russia and Saudi Arabia create a new axis – of oil

Russia is trying to be friends with everyone at once, and wielding growing influence as a global giant in weaponry and oil production. Some of its success could be at the US's expense.
First Look Cuba loosens grip on media, allows for more independent reporting

Newly named Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel is allowing the media to have a bit more freedom with their reporting. Journalists can now publish news of important events without government approval and accept advertising from Cuba's small private sector.
Meanwhile in ... Mongolia, Millennial monks are running the country’s monasteries

And in the Pacific Ocean, a 500-mile 'shark highway' has been documented, running from Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands to Costa Rica’s Cocos Island.