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Saturday, December 20, 2025 11:39 PM ET

Christian Science Monitor - World

Russia strikes Ukrainian port as peace negotiations continue in US -- The airstrikes on port infrastructure in Odesa come as the Kremlin sends an envoy to Florida to discuss the Trump administration's proposed peace plan. Meanwhile, European Union leaders agreed to provide $106 billion to support Ukraine's military and economic needs over the next two years.

9 hours ago

Why Latin America's authoritarian leaders lean into Christmas -- Christmas came early this year in Venezuela, at leader Nicolás Maduro's behest. It's the same tactic Hugo Chávez used as far back as 2003.

1 day ago

Discovering God in Hamas tunnels, hostages led a national trend -- The long ordeal of hostages held in Hamas tunnels since Oct. 7 has led to a rise in religious belief among Jewish Israelis. One hostage notes: "God will always listen. He does not get tired."

1 day ago

In Lebanon, Hezbollah's true believers are battered, yes, but unbowed -- Hezbollah has been weakened by Israel and is under pressure to disarm. But its Shiite supporters express pride in their sacrifice and look forward to revenge. And for the militia, says one analyst, keeping its arms is "existential."

2 days ago

With Russia looming, Europe tries to beef up its youth military service -- The potential military threat from Russia and the decreasing support from the US have European countries looking to conscript citizens. It's a big ask after decades of peace and prosperity.

2 days ago

Amid destruction, a determination to live -- Every time I go to Ukraine, I come across scenes of yet more extraordinary human resilience.

2 days ago

That moment when everything just clicks -- Often it takes sprinting, crouching, or climbing on chairs to get the ephemeral mix of angle, timing, light.

2 days ago

Getting 'the shot' when there's no do-over -- I decide on the pieces I need to construct a visual narrative, and I proceed in search of them. From that point on, the job is a treasure hunt.

2 days ago

A spotlight on grace under pressure -- People often ask how I decide whom to train my lens on. Sometimes it's just a matter of where the light falls.

2 days ago

Europe's challenge: Curb migration while preserving liberal identity -- Europe struggles to maintain its open, liberal identity, while the U.S. pressures the continent to follow President Trump's path and secure its borders.

2 days ago

Gaza families wait ... and wait for answers about missing loved ones -- Gaza families search for their missing family members, trusting that clues such as scraps of clothing and rumors will be the key to unlock the mystery

2 days ago

Australia was a haven for generations of Jews. Now, they wonder about the future. -- The Bondi Beach massacre has shattered the sense of security held by Australian Jews, generations of whom found a warm haven far from the horrors of Europe. Some now hope Australians see that antisemitism is not just a Jewish problem.

3 days ago

Partners in empathy: Indian nonprofit educates travel firms to combat elephant abuse -- Wildlife SOS teaches tourists and tour operators about the pain that elephants endure during training, and later, in their lives as riding elephants.

3 days ago

Among palm trees and luxury malls, China launches an ambitious experiment -- A large tropical island off China's southern coast will gain independent customs status on Dec. 18 – a move Chinese leaders hope will jump-start development in Hainan and pioneer new levels of openness for the rest of the country, despite the rise of protectionism.

4 days ago