Christian Science Monitor

05.01.2006 France's conservative ruling party quietly passed a bill recently requiring schools to teach the positive aspects of the country's colonial history, raising questions about an "official history" and further alienating immigrant populations.

29.12.2005 Two writers face trial and imprisonment in Europe for something they said or wrote. Both could be incarcerated - not for physically harming another person or for damaging property, but for uttering words that European states deem offensive. Brendan O'Neill objects.

22.12.2005 Two French-Canadian climbers carried tarpaulin sheets and blankets to remote villages in Pakistan previously shut off from aid. They, and twelve other experienced climbers, have now been assigned with finding unreached villages, assessing the villagers' needs, and locating possible helicopter landing sites--hopefully all before winter descends in full force.

08.12.2005 During climate change talks this week, the idea of "avoided deforestation" is back in vogue. Under the policy, developed countries would get carbon emmissions credits for helping developing countries conserve forests. Despite some doubts, both rich and poor see this as a potential way to curb harmful greenhouse gas emmisions and save forests around the world.

07.12.2005 Venezuela's Hugo Chavez is claiming Sunday's elections, where pro-government parties won every seat in the country's national assembly, proves his people's confidence in his rule. But opposition parties say the low turnout caused by their boycott de-legitimizes his rule and, perhaps most importantly, his foreign detractors will likely say the same.