World - The Christian Science Monitor

First Look As US-Iran sanctions begin, world powers try to save nuclear deal

Ministers from countries around the world – except the US – will meet in New York on Sept. 24 to discuss a way to move forward with Iran's nuclear deal. European diplomats are desperate to keep the deal alive, but US sanctions complicate the issue.

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Meanwhile in ... the Maldives, thousands of applicants overwhelmed a bookstore looking to hire

And in Latvia, the government has launched a pilot program to persuade emigrating families to return to Latvia.

Cover Story Can Islamist moderates remake the politics of the Muslim world?

The era of political Islam appears to be waning in some regions. But as some Islamists broaden their appeal, there's an opportunity to increase our understanding of the nuances of Islam in politics.
First Look Putin calls downing of Russian plane off Syria a chain of tragic events

In the crowded skies over Syria, a Russian reconnaissance aircraft was shot down by Syrian forces. Russians have accused the Israeli military of deliberately using the Russian plane as a cover to dodge the Syrian defenses, straining diplomatic ties between the nations.
As legal cannabis comes to Canada, communities welcome accompanying job boom

As Canada prepares for the nationwide legalization of marijuana in October, some towns are finding that the nascent pot industry is bringing jobs where they are sorely needed.
First Look Instant divorce of Muslim women outlawed by India's Modi government

The practice of talaq in Indian Muslim communities allows men to instantly divorce their wives. India's Hindu-led government is pursuing its punishment of this edict in efforts to, some experts say, broaden their electoral chances ahead of elections in April.
First Look Nigerian Army in need of reform as ISIS gains strength in West Africa

Northeast Nigeria has been under sustained assault by Islamic militants for many years, and as the Army loses control many are wondering, what happened? The setback comes as President Muhammadu Buhari, who promised to eradicate Boko Haram, seeks a second term.

First Look EU rejects May's exit plan as Brexit looms

In a series of meetings between the EU and the UK, both sides left empty-handed as Prime Minister Theresa May's government feels increasing political pressure in London and the final date for Brexit approaches in March.
First Look Under Trump administration, number of Mexican immigrants drop

The number of Mexican-born immigrants in the US plunged between 2016 and 2017, according to new census figures. The decline is likely due to both growing US hostility towards immigrants and increased opportunity in Mexico.
In struggle over Ukrainian Orthodox communion, a political hornet’s nest

Orthodox leaders in Ukraine are attempting to create a national church. But their success would likely result in a political schism, as parishes that were once spiritually allied to Moscow would be forced to orient toward Kiev.
Netanyahu support for Trump on UNRWA exposes political-military divide.

Israelis love to disparage the UN refugee agency for Palestinians as a political arm of the Palestinians. But the Israeli government’s support of President Trump’s new policy flies in the face of the view of its own security establishment.
As Canada legalizes cannabis, concerns mount over challenges, uncertainties

Legalization of marijuana is only the first step of introducing it to society as a recreational substance. Many issues, like how it will be sold and what effect it will have on communities, remain. Part two of two.
First Look With Catalan politicians still in Spanish prison, dialogue stumbles

It has been almost one year since Catalans voted to separate from Spain. The government in Madrid reacted by imprisoning many Catalonian political leaders, and that continues to be a source of tension for a resolution over the issue of independence.
First Look Female entrepreneurs in Ghana gain organizing power

In Ghana's capital, female market vendors are often forcibly removed from the street, leaving them with nowhere to sell their goods. But this year, the women came together to demand a new, safer working space from the city.