Christian Science Monitor | World

Iran hangs spies it says worked for US, Israel

Iran hangs spies: Two Iranian men were executed Sunday, convicted of working for the CIA and Israel's Mossad spy agency.

Advocates begin to tackle India's child rape problem

In the wake of the December gang rape, advocates warn that three separate cases of child rape highlight a deeper problem that can no longer be swept under the carpet.

Chinese premier visits India, talks up trade and trust

Premier Li Keqiang arrived this weekend in New Delhi on his first foreign trip. India has become China's biggest market for infrastructure contracts, but the two countries remain wary neighbors.

Why did North Korea launch 6 missiles in 3 days?

The launches may be more an effort to get attention and test weaponry rather than actually provoke the region, following the end of the joint South Korea-US military exercises last month.

Want to retire on the beach? Mexico talks of liberalizing land sales

Supporters say the change could help Mexico compete with Central America for US retirees seeking spots in the sun. But could it hurt Mexican access to prime real estate?

6.8 Chile earthquake strikes off the coast

6.8 Chile earthquake: The USGS revised the original report of a 6.8 earthquake down to 6.5. The earthquake struck off Chile Monday morning. No tsunami warning was issued.

North Korean pirates seize Chinese hostages, demand a ransom

A group of Chinese fishermen are said to be held hostage in North Korea, straining ties already frayed by North Korea's missile launches.

How a toilet paper shortage may temper Chavismo in Venezuela

Under Hugo Chávez, big businesses endured threats of state takeover. This week, Chávez's successor reached out to the boss of Venezuela's largest privately held company.

In Israel, a modern wall is halted by ancient terraces

Israel’s high court has issued an injunction against extending the separation barrier through the Palestinian village of Batir, famed for its 2,500-year-old terraces and aqueducts.

South Korea: The little dynamo that sneaked up on the world

South Korea, long in the shadow of other Asian 'tiger economies,' is suddenly hip and enormously prosperous – so much so that it may have outgrown its thankless dream of reuniting with the North.

Netanyahu: Israel will take action to prevent Syrian 'weapons leakage' to Hezbollah

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Israel would prevent the movement of weapons from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime to Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. He made no mention of past or future air strikes.

With Algeria's president ill, country prepares for new era

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, believed to have suffered a stroke, has not made a public appearance in three weeks. The country must now prepare for their first leader from a generation too young to have fought for independence from France.

In first trip abroad, Chinese premier visits India

In an effort to expand economic cooperation and resolve a border dispute, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived in India Sunday, his first trip abroad since taking office in March.

With Hezbollah's help, Syrian troops push to regain Lebanese border areas

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 30 people, including 16 rebel fighters and one woman, were killed in Qusair in morning fighting, but that the death toll was expected to rise.

Pakistan heads back to the polls, senior politician killed

A bloody campaign season in which about 150 people were killed nationwide ended with the death of Zara Shahid Hussain, a top politician in Pakistan's Tehrik-i-Insaf party. On Sunday, some constituencies accused of vote-rigging voted again.

North Korea pops off another projectile into the Pacific

It's not clear if North Korea fired a short-range missile or an artillery round. The isolated regime also launched three missiles on Saturday, causing no damage.

Saudi woman scales Everest for first time

Saudi woman scales Everest with group of 64 climbers Saturday. Raha Moharrak, a 25-year old graphic designer, is the first Saudi woman to have reached the summit of Mount Everest.

Showgirls dressed as Obama at Berlusconi's 'bunga bunga' parties

Showgirls dressed as Obama, Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho, as well as nuns and nurses at former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's parties. Karima El Mahroug testified about showgirls dressing up at a prostitution trial in Italy.

Sea of protesters fills streets in Rome

Thousands took to the streets on Saturday to protest austerity measures and advocate for job creation and workers' rights in Italy. The country is experiencing its longest recession since 1970, with unemployment rates soaring.

North Korea fires three short-range missiles. Why? (+video)

The firing of three short-range missiles Saturday by North Korea could be to improve their accuracy. Or it could be atmospherics as a period of tentative diplomacy begins.