Our daily geography puzzler.

Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with The World's book critic Christopher Merrill about the controversial novel "The Kindly Ones," by Jonathan Littell. The book has polarized critics here and abroad, and even its supporters have a tough time taking the main character. Lisa also tells us about another newly translated novel, "Every Man Dies Alone," by German author Hans Fallada.

For today's Geo Quiz, we were looking for six countries involved in territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The answers are: Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

The World's Alex Gallafent takes us back to 16th-century Venice and explores the rivalry between three of the most successful painters of the time, Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese.

The World's Marco Werman was in Bogota, Colombia last week. He speaks to anchor Lisa Mullins about the trip and where Colombians go to buy their music.

Today on The World: A former US diplomat makes the case for engaging the Taliban; Also, why skin whitening is big business in Asia; And Europe re-examines gun control legislation in the wake of a school shooting in Germany today.

Thousands of people across Northern Ireland protested today against renewed violence there. Dissident groups killed three people in recent days -- two British soldiers and a policeman -- threatening to bring back sectarian strife in Northern Ireland. The World's Laura Lynch reports.

More pictures from Northern Ireland

Former diplomat Michael Semple was expelled from Afghanistan just over a year ago because he was pursuing negotiations with the Taliban. Semple tells anchor Lisa Mullins that talks are worth pursuing.

Taliban resurgence

The World's Aaron Schachter reports on a summit today among the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Syria. One objective may be to get Syria to cooperate on various issues, from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, to containing Iran.

Philip Martin reports on the growing popularity of skin whitening products across Asia. Customers from Mumbai to Beijing say they want lighter skin, but health professionals are concerned.

Color Initiative