Page Updated: Wednesday, May 08, 2024 3:05 PM ET

Christian Science Monitor - World

En garde! Fencing draws Nairobi youngsters away from guns. -- A fencing club in Nairobi, Kenya, is expanding the sport's reach and trying to send athletes to the Olympics.

43 minutes ago

Negotiate or attack: In Rafah, Israel's options conflict in real time -- From the start of the war in Gaza seven months ago, Israel's dual war aims – rescuing hostages and defeating Hamas – have been in tension. As pressures mount on Israel to choose between a cease-fire and an invasion of Rafah, that tension is soaring.

21 hours ago

Caregiving burdens fall on women. This Nigerian woman wants to change that. -- Most of the world's caregiving is done by women, often at great personal cost. One woman in Nigeria is helping change that in her community.

1 day ago

How China's tech-forward EVs are dominating the industry -- China's booming electric vehicle industry is sparking concern among foreign automakers. Could it benefit consumers?

1 day ago

Points of Progress -- Housing projects: Paris curates its streets, and Navajo homes get addresses -- Progress roundup: Paris pursues public housing but says no to fast food, rural Utah gains Plus Code addresses, and a successful women-run bus program serves Colombia's capital.

43 minutes ago

Can deepfakes be good for democracy? India tries to balance risks and rewards of AI. -- Indian society is scrambling to respond to an uptick of political deepfakes during critical elections. Its efforts could help build a roadmap on how democracies balance the good and the bad of artificial intelligence.

4 days ago

Iran's official line on exchange with Israel: Deterrence restored -- Iran's attack on Israel, and the Israeli strike that preceded it, raised fears that the war in Gaza was poised to erupt into a regional conflict. It hasn't. But success isn't a given.

4 days ago

First Look -- Niger is telling US troops to leave as it ushers in Russian soldiers. Here's why. -- As U.S. and other Western troops get the boot from African countries, Russian soldiers are taking their place at air bases. The Kremlin, meanwhile, continues to court African leaders and expand its influence in the region.

5 days ago

First Look -- Long a cherished trade, sanctions on Iran are unraveling the future of Persian rugs -- Iran was once known for its luxurious silk carpets, often purchased by American and European tourists. But renewed sanctions and a drop in tourism have led to struggling carpet weavers and the future of the cultural artisan skills on the brink.

5 days ago

First Look -- Rishi Sunak tried everything to keep UK's Conservatives in power. It isn't working. -- Labour Party candidates saw broad success in Britain's May 2 local elections, a sign of resurgence after 14 years in the minority. The results may portend defeat for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservatives in general elections later this year.

5 days ago

Facing Russian threat and an uncertain America, Europe rearms -- Washington has long urged European nations to spend more on their own defense. Russia's Ukraine invasion, and European doubts about America's role in tomorrow's world, have had the desired effect.

5 days ago

Points of Progress -- Stories of resilience: Bees make a comeback, and how immigrants lift economies -- Progress roundup: Bee colonies are on the rise, Venezuelan migrants benefit their adopted countries, and an ancient irrigation system in Oman still works.

5 days ago

The West or Moscow? In Georgia, a pivotal vote could set the nation's course. -- Young Georgian demonstrators are hoping to block a Moscow-inspired law on "foreign agents," which they worry will be used to stifle criticism of the government.

5 days ago

First Look -- May Day protesters take up causes, and selfies, from Istanbul to Seoul -- Pro-labor protests and marches broke out on May Day, a holiday that celebrates workers' rights. Many demonstrations swelled as they combined with other causes, including wages, migrant and Palestinian rights, and discontent with the Olympics.

7 days ago