Christian Science Monitor | World

Antonio Banderas as 'Super Mario'? Chilean miners approve.

Antonio Banderas will star as 'Super Mario,' the best-known of the 33 Chilean miners featured in the upcoming film, 'The 33.'

Kerry travels to Middle East: Will 'face time' help Syria?

Secretary of State John Kerry will visit Oman and Jordan in hopes that in-person meetings can rally support for peace talks in Syria, despite uncertain support from Russia.

Are tit-for-tat sectarian killings enough to tilt Iraq back to war?

Bouts of sectarian fighting have worried observers many times over the past few years, but so far the worst has not come to pass.

Tunisia shuts down medieval city to prevent Salafi demonstrations

Tunisia's ruling Ennahda party began by reaching out to Salafist groups, but after fringe groups became increasingly violent, it changed gears, taking a hardline stance to reining them in.

On Gaza's border, an unexpected haven for mentally-handicapped Israelis

A factory in Sderot provides mentally-disabled people in Israel with work and a social environment where they can feel accepted.

Kremlin orders Russian pollster to register itself as 'spy'

Russian prosecutors say that the Levada Center must register as a 'foreign agent' – a term synonymous with 'spy' in Russian – because 3 percent of its budget comes from abroad.

Moscow terrorist attack foiled

Moscow attack foiled: Russian special forces killed two men and detained a third believed to have been planning a terrorist attack in Moscow.

In global fight against cybercrime, Spain becomes a front line

Spanish police stopped two major hacking schemes in the country in recent months, raising alarm among experts about increasing activity in the country. Why is Spain a hacking hub?

In Myanmar, a movement for Muslim and Buddhist tolerance

As Myanmar's head of state visits the US, the first such trip in more than 45 years, religious and ethnic violence are being slowly addressed back home.

Syria's ancient landmarks crumble under onslaught of war

The destruction of Aleppo's famous minaret brought world attention to the threats facing Syria's historical landmarks. Syrians warn they are losing part of their heritage as ancient landmarks become ruins.

Syrian Army, Hezbollah bear down on rebels in strategic Qusayr

For the Syrian rebels, Qusayr has been critical to bringing in weapons and fighters from Lebanon. But the regime and ally Hezbollah want the town, which lies at an important crossroads.

5 dead in 'bank robbery' mystery in Israel

5 dead in bank robbery? A gunmen shot four people in a bank, took a hostage, and then killed himself. Early reports said it was a bank robbery, but Israeli police are not so sure.

7 horses test positive for steroids, say British horseracing officials

7 more horses test positive for steroids, including the 2012 St Leger winner Encke. Mahmood Al Zarooni was banned from horse racing after 11 horses in his stable tested positive for steroids.

An art museum uses technology to lure young patrons

The Cleveland Museum of Art is embracing cutting-edge technology to try to lure new audiences to its collection of masterworks.

Aleppo's elected council ignored as foreign funds go elsewhere

Syria's most-developed rebel government is struggling for legitimacy because it can't afford to provide public services. Foreign aid is going to fighters, NGOs instead.

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?