~the-christian-scien | Bookmarks (509)

Historian Diana Darke argues in “Islamesque” that Europe’s monuments owe a vast debt to Muslim craftsmen and designers.

“Sisters in Science” tells of the rise of female scientists in 1930s Germany – some of whom were Jewish – whose careers were ended by Adolf Hitler.

The stage-managed spectacle of Israeli hostages being released in Gaza serves political interests on both sides. Hamas’ assertions that it is still in power bolster the argument that Prime Minister Netanyahu still has a job to do.

Some of Europe’s largest ongoing demonstrations – against a corrupt autocracy in Serbia – have evolved from anger to being a model of a new society.

Elon Musk is intervening in European politics with a slew of vitriolic posts supporting far-right parties. European leaders have begun to object.

In October, voters in Botswana ousted their ruling party of 58 years. The new president, Duma Boko, carries the weight of their calls for change.

On Monday, a group of Societies of Friends sued the Trump administration over an immigration directive that no longer considers churches “protected areas.” The churches argue it infringes on their religious liberty.

Is it possible to move the balance of discourse – in the halls of power, on social media, and at dinner tables – back toward some semblance of civility and respect?

A reporter’s trip to the world’s largest holy festival was interrupted by a deadly stampede. His account reveals both the risks and spiritual importance of the Kumbh Mela, and how India’s relationship with Hinduism is changing.

Nations join with the international Red Cross to find new ways to protect the innocent in conflicts where the Geneva Conventions are ignored or misread.

Americans’ rush to the popular Chinese app RedNote opened a window between two starkly different worlds – at least for a time – allowing for unexpected discoveries.

Progress roundup: Children’s rights and needs drove national policy in Colombia and Finland. And for coastal areas, new proof of seabeds as carbon sinks.

Every two years, America’s schoolchildren get a report card on math and reading. The latest results show students falling further behind. But officials say it can’t all be blamed on the pandemic.

Like Ukrainians, the people of Belarus unite around a shared civic and cultural identity to defy a Russia-allied ruler.

Western sanctions were meant to crush Russia’s economy. But Russian entrepreneurs have filled many of the gaps left by departing Western brands.

Israel has failed to eliminate Hamas, a key goal of its war in Gaza, and the militant group has reasserted its rule in Gaza. Can that situation last?

Lauren Pacheco is inspired by this Midwestern underdog of a city and is looking to enliven what she calls its “remarkable cultural heritage.”

China’s success with AI tool DeepSeek is giving U.S. markets a reality check. But it’s too early to say that American AI leaders will be eclipsed.

Imani Perry’s essay collection “Black in Blues” threads together the cultures and lore of the Black diaspora into an insightful commentary.

President Donald Trump appeared to win Sunday’s showdown with Colombia, after Colombia appeared to accept military flights carrying deportees. But the faceoff could herald more conflict.

John Bolton, President Trump’s former national security adviser, says Mr. Trump pulled his security detail out of vengeance. Now, he worries that Kash Patel could help a retribution campaign if confirmed to head the FBI.

As the region flares up over U.S. deportations and similar issues, the debate also points to the ideals at stake.

Many migrants whom President Trump plans to deport have been keeping their relatives in Latin America financially afloat. What does their future hold?

Hazardous waste and the scale of the disaster make fire cleanup tricky for Los Angeles and the EPA.