Christian Science Monitor

10.04.2006 Events are planned in 90 US cities today - in a National Day of Action on Immigrant Rights - to show immigrant strength.

17.03.2006 On the eve of the three-year anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq, the Methboubs, like most Iraqis, feel a mix of frustration, disappointment, and hope in the face of daily sectarian violence.

08.02.2006 Poverty and strict religious codes prevented many girls from receiving an education in Pakistan, but post-earthquake life has created new opportunities. The region hardest hit by last October's earthquake is also one of the most conservative, and with thousands now living in relief camps the barriers of poverty, gender segregation, and religion are giving way to positive changes.

02.02.2006 Chile's first female president has appointed ten men and ten women to the cabinet, including some political novices, making it the first of its kind in the western hemisphere and one of only a handful in the world. While there was little public uproar over her selections, some analysts are concerned that Bachelet's "new style of government" may sacrifice competence for image.

26.01.2006 Hamas politicians--who appear to have won a surprising victory in Wednesday's Palestinian parliamentary elections--say they are inspired by, but not in lock step with the group's militant core. Though considered a terrorist group by the U.S. and Israel, Hamas is also known at home for providing social services.