Yiddish is making a comeback
Yiddish, the historic language of Jews in Europe and Russia, was once nearly extinguished. But now Jews drawn to the language for different reasons are keeping Yiddish alive.
In Crackdown, Some Russian Groups Labeled As 'Foreign Agents'
A new law places the tag on human rights and other private groups that receive funding from abroad. In Russia, the label is nearly synonymous with "spy." Critics say the law is part of an effort by President Vladimir Putin to stifle dissent.
As Cardinal, New Pope Walked Fine Line On Economic Issues
The former Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio has both opposed liberation theology as well as criticized capitalism. And while Pope Francis' positions are in line with his predecessors on economic matter, his Latin American background may lead to an emphasis on those issues.
Islamists Say They Are Filling Vacuum Left By Egyptian State
The Islamist group Gamaa al-Islamiya recently agreed to handle security during a strike by police in the city of Assiut; the police returned to work the next day. But the group says it will continue to provide services such as trash pickup, reflecting the larger problem of a deteriorating Egyptian government.
