Great Weekend Reads
An employee works at the brine pool at Uyuni.
Nelson Mandela was checked into the hospital, the Human Rights Campaign mobilized online support for marriage equality, and Hindus the world over wished each other a happy Holi-days!
No matter how you cut it, it's been a big week for the world. Here are a sampling of some of the best stories you might have missed this week.
Cyprus: Another fine mess
Analysis: As Cypriots swarm to reopen their banks, the EU's botched rescue of Cyprus underscored more euro zone risk.
The Bolivian dream: lithium batteries included
Tapping into a vast lithium bounty, President Evo Morales envisions a smartphone and electric car battery-charged Bolivian revolution.
Will Algeria's army be the dark horse in the next election?
Shielded in secrecy, the Algerian military wields enormous influence in politics and the economy – and it wouldn't be the first time it staged a coup.
Nelson Mandela back in the hospital
Nelson Mandela was admitted to a South African hospital again Wednesday night with a recurrent lung infection, but the government says the 94-year-old icon is responding well to treatment.
Planet Pic: Holi
With a splash of color, the annual Hindu festival which welcomes Spring began this week.
Irish Catholics continue to flee the church
A combination of clergy sex abuse revelations and a more secular climate has created a stigma against attending Mass.
On Location Syria: Minority rules
Many believe that Kurdish forces could turn the tide against the Syrian regime if they united with the Free Syrian Army, but officials say they intend to remain neutral.
Wading into Syria, BRICS take on political role
Originally, a loose grouping of emerging economies, the bloc comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa is increasingly positioning itself for greater international clout.
Word of the Day: Slacktivism
Seeing red: The Human Rights Campaign, which advocates equal rights for lesbian gay, bisexual and transgender people, has been mobilizing online supporters. But how effective is this kind of activism?