All Europe
Spain, Italy on the mend? Investors make it easier to borrowSpain and Italy hit their borrowing targets today, benefiting from favorable lending rates that signal eurozone investors' cautious confidence.聽
Russia worried about a nuclear Iran, but leery of US sanctionsRussia is wary of any international action similar to the UN resolution on Libya, which parlayed a mandate to protect civilians into a drive for regime change.
UK roils Scottish independence referendum with bid for controlThe prospect of a Scottish independence referendum has gained substantial traction among Scots and the UK's attempt to call the shots could backfire by stirring up nationalist sentiment.
Hungary turns away from democracyHungary has seen a stunning consolidation of power under President Orban. A new Constitution that took effect Jan. 1 appears to confirm a move toward more authoritarian rule.
An end to cut, cut, cut? Merkel and Sarkozy agree to focus on growth.In a Berlin meeting today, German Chancellor Merkel and French President Sarkozy signaled a major shift in eurozone economic strategy by making growth a priority in managing the economic crisis.聽- China's new European trade hub: An Irish town of 18,000The Irish town of Athlone has approved a project that could bring as many as 400 Chinese businesses to Ireland. With China facing declining growth and Ireland mired in debt, both stand to benefit.聽
Despite convictions, UK's Stephen Lawrence case still not fully resolvedNew information about the other suspects in Stephen Lawrence's murder, as well as a complaint about the sentences for the two men found guilty, means the racially explosive case is not yet settled.
Kate Middleton lends a hand to children, the arts with her charity projects Kate Middleton, known as the Duchess of Cambridge, today announced the first five organizations she will support as a royal patron.
Stephen Lawrence case: 'turning point' in Britain's racism debateThe killing of Stephen Lawrence, a black teenager in London, brought forward issues of racism in Britain's police forces and revolutionized their policing practices.聽- 2011 Reflections: Europe's ideals thrown into tumultSeven Monitor correspondents reflect on the world's hot spots. In this installment, Robert Marquand says the eurozone crisis is undermining postwar ideals.
Hungarians cry foul as new Constitution comes into effectTens of thousands of Hungarians turned out to protest what they say is a slide into authoritarianism as a result of new laws and a new Constitution.