Kidnapping ransoms are funding extremists in western Africa, some Mexican Mennonites consider moving back to their ancestral homeland of Russia and Hugo Chavez in delicate condition following cancer operation
The Muslim Brotherhood and the New Egyptian Divide
Now in power, the Islamists appear to be flailing at governance, failing to build consensus and, as protests grow, creating two Egypts
Syrian Opposition Boosted by U.S. Recognition, But Faces Growing Challenges
With three weeks of fighting in Damascus signaling the accelerating erosion of the Assad regime’s control of Syria, Western diplomats are pressing the exiled opposition leadership to take charge of governing rebel-held areas. …
India Pays Tribute to Ravi Shankar, Sitar Maestro and Cultural Ambassador
Ravi Shankar, who died on Dec. 11 in southern California at the age 92, is still one of the most powerful and lasting influences in music today.
North Korea’s Rocket Launch Riles Neighborhood, but Mild Response from China Expected
Days after it signaled that an upcoming launch might be delayed, North Korea fired a long-range rocket, heightening regional concerns about its growing ability to threaten neighbors
Must-Reads from Around the World
Cuba passes new laws for co-ops, the Kyrgyz government tries to toughen the penalty for bride-kidnapping and Egyptian opposition calls for “no” vote in upcoming referendum
The Pope Tweets with You: Benedict XVI Joins the Twitterverse
He has his own handle (@pontifex) but the pontiff will mostly dictate his tweets or quote parts of his sermons. Still, you can #askpontifex
While U.S. Recognizes Syrian Opposition, It Designates One Anti-Assad Group as ‘Terrorist’
One of the most effective anti-Assad militias has just been designated a “terrorist” organization by the U.S. Will that help or hobble the exiled opposition’s attempt to take control of the fight against the regime in Damascus?
Mali’s Endless Crisis: Army Soldiers Force Out Prime Minister
Malian soldiers forced the nation’s Prime Minister to resign late Monday night, complicating the West’s plans for a military intervention
Tale of the Taliban Bomber: Behind the Plot to Kill Afghanistan’s Spy Chief
For Asadullah Khalid, the morning of Dec. 6 — the day the Taliban tried to kill him — was as routine as any other. Dressed in an embroidered beige shirt, Kabul’s recently-appointed intelligence chief signed papers and …
Must-Reads from Around the World
The new Mexican president announces education reforms, South Africa and Vietnam sign a deal to reduce rhino poaching and Northern Irish protests continue
Chávez’s Cancer Relapse: Can Venezuela’s Socialists Survive It?
President Hugo Chávez acknowledges that he could be sidelined for good, and a special presidential election might be on the horizon. Can his oil-fueled revolution function without him?
A Time for Mischief: Will Monti’s Departure Mean Berlusconi’s Return?
Italians — and Europeans — were stunned at the turn of political events, just as the economy seemed to be approaching some sort of stability