A Renaissance For 'Pigsticking' In Spain
Hunting wild boar while riding horses and using only spears is a practice that dates back at least 2,000 years — and now it's making a comeback in Spain.
Europe
Once Championed By Putin, Medvedev Falls Precipitously Out Of Favor
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev is under attack these days — and is receiving no support from his erstwhile political partner, President Vladimir Putin. Though loyal and cautious, Medvedev became a magnet for the opposition, who sought an alternative to Putin. Now, observers say, it's only a matter of time before Medvedev is ousted.
With New Pope, Catholic Women Hope To Regain Church Leadership Roles
A group of American nuns and Catholic women has traveled to Rome for a pilgrimage to the sites where there are traces on frescoes, mosaics and sarcophagi that show how women played an important role in the church in the early centuries of Christianity. Groups say women once held "co-equal roles with men."
German Prince Plans To Put Bison Back In The Wild
The prince's dream of reintroducing European bison, or wisent, into Germany's most densely populated state will soon be reality. It will be the first time in nearly 300 years that these creatures will roam Western Europe. But not everyone is as excited as the prince.
German Anti-Euro Group Has Big-Name Backers
In Germany, a new political party has cropped up with one sole aim: doing away with the euro. Unlike past anti-euro parties in Europe, this one is no fringe group. NPR's Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson reports they are banking on German frustration over bailouts of eurozone countries to propel them into office in national elections this fall.
Belgian Post Office Sells Chocolate-Flavored Stamps
The glue in the stamps is infused with cacao oil. It's a celebratory touch that makes sense given that Belgium is famous for its chocolate.
After 2-Week Closure, Cypriot Banks Reopen
The Mediterranean island nation's leaders are hoping to prevent a bank run. Customers could see limits on cash withdrawals that could last for months. The terms of the bailout deal are a shocking outcome for a country which built itself on its banking industry.
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.
With Cyprus On The Ropes, Which Country Will Become The Next Tax Shelter?
Robert Siegel talks to Joseph Cotterill, writer for the Financial Times, about what may happen if the European Union's bailout plan for Cyprus succeeds and which country may be poised to take on the role as the next Cayman Islands of Eastern Europe.
Long After Its Fall, Berlin Wall Is Focus Of New Protests
A developer wants to knock down a remnant of the Berlin Wall to make way for luxury apartments. Some Berlin protesters — and actor David Hasselhoff — have been trying to stop it.