Christian Science Monitor | World

How much do you know about Gangnam style?

Pop music sensation Psy is the first Korean solo artist to have a top-selling US single. He swept the US with his hit single “Gangnam Style” in 2012. He’s taught his signature horsey dance to everyone from the UN’s Ban Ki-moon to Britney Spears. But how much do you know about the artist?

No more drug war in Latin America? Report explores new ways to fight drugs

A new OAS report looks at alternatives to prohibiting the drug trade, including legal market regulation, reform of the UN drug convention, and smarter policing.

Venezuela's Maduro still waiting on Washington's recognition

More than a month since Maduro was elected Venezuelan president by less than 2 percent of the vote, the US has not recognized his victory. A partial recount of the ballot is currently underway.

EU austerity hawks shrug off criticism of flawed academic paper

Despite a new paper detailing flaws in the Rogoff-Reinhart study that has been used to argue in favor of austerity policies, Europe's austerity advocates are holding course.

Spain's controversial educational reform: Will the Green Tide wash it away?

New government reforms aim to reduce Spain's dropout rate. But they are opposed by green-shirted protesters from the education sector, known as the Green Tide.

Canada 5.2 quake: Earthquake felt in Ontario

Canada 5.2 quake: Canada's government agency that monitors earthquakes said the quake it registered a 5.2-magnitude temblor with an epicenter located about 11 miles northeast of Shawville, Quebec.

Gazans struggle to reel in a livelihood

One man alone used to employ more than 2,000 fishermen to bring in Gaza's daily catch, but Israel has reduced the areas in which Palestinians may fish, curbing the number of accessible fish.

Don't let strangers in, even in Paris

When a man in work clothes showed up at her door, the Monitor's Europe bureau chief let him inside. But fortunately, he didn't get a chance to pull off a well-known Parisian scam.

Why Afghanistan is nervous about the US troop withdrawal

By December 2014 the Afghan National Security Forces that have been built by the US and NATO will be left to largely stand on their own.

Jorge Rafael Videla, former dictator, dies in Argentine prison

Jorge Rafael Videla died of natural causes in the Marcos Paz prison, according to Federal Prison Service Director Victor Hortel.

Japan's 'secret' trip to North Korea disrupts united stance against Pyongyang

Japan's visit to North Korea comes after broad regional agreement that Pyongyang should not be offered talks unless it displays a genuine commitment to denuclearization.

Actor, dressed as woman, feels Egypt's sexual harassment

As part of a documentary TV series, a young male actor took to the streets of downtown Cairo dressed as a woman and experienced sexual harassment firsthand.

What does genocide conviction of Ríos Montt mean to Guatemalans abroad?

Many in the Guatemalan diaspora celebrated the historic conviction of ex-dictator Ríos Montt. But some say one conviction alone can't resolve the aftermath of the 36-year-long bloody conflict.

Toilet paper shortage sends Venezuelans scrambling for rolls

Toilet paper shortage: After years of economic dysfunction, the country has gotten used to shortages of medicines and basic food items like milk and sugar but the scarcity of bathroom tissue has caused unusual alarm.

Chef killed over meal? Japanese chef's death under investigation in Germany.

Prosecutors say Miki Nozawa died Monday following a brawl with the two men at a nightclub near his restaurant on the North Sea resort island of Sylt.

Russia boosts its naval presence in Syria, sends regime new missiles (+video)

Many see Russia's anti-ship missile sales and increased naval deployment to Syria as intended to deter Western powers from military intervention in the Syrian civil war.

Scott Budnick serves breakfast – with a side order of respect – to the homeless

Sunday breakfast at a Providence, R.I., church is more than a free meal. Half the volunteers are homeless themselves: 'It's their [own] breakfast that they're putting on.'

To tame drug violence, Mexican general takes control of chaotic Michoacan

As part of President Enrique Pena Nieto's strategy against drug violence, Alberto Reyes, a Mexican general was given control over all police and military operations in the western state of Michoacan.

Between the shopping malls, is there space in Dubai for dissent?

The United Arab Emirates has arrested more than 100 alleged dissidents since 2011 in a bid to maintain the Gulf state's reputation for stability.

Stash your cash in Switzerland? US and Europe push to make it harder.

A Spanish court ruling and investigations spurred by whistleblowers are aimed at scaring tax evaders and raising revenue. One watchdog's list could lead to some 300 billion euros in tax havens.