The Christian Science Monitor

Regardless of the confusion over whether a truce exists, American soldiers in the Middle East remain on high alert. A few hours after President Trump announced a ceasefire, it was being tested by fresh Israeli attacks on Iran. But some analysts say a truce, should it hold up, could serve as an example of the effectiveness of a large but limited use of U.S. military power. On Monday, Iran was aiming missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, America’s largest military installation in the Middle East. Sirens at U.S. bases in Iraq and Kuwait had U.S. forces sheltering against possible further attacks. Anna Mulrine Grobe is the Global Security writer for The Christian Science Monitor. She reports that within an hour, Iran's retaliatory barrage was being deemed a face-saving measure. It allowed Tehran to respond while minimizing the possibilities for escalation. It turned out Iran had given Qatar a heads-up on the barrage, which Qatar duly passed along to the U.S. Read more on the risk facing US troups in the region via the link in the comments. #Iran #attack #Qatar #military

It’s great when a writer uncovers a story that reveals new thought and data to an important issue. It’s even better when that story wins two 1st place awards. This past weekend the Los Angeles Press Club presented 1st place awards to The Christian Science Monitor team of staff writer Francine Kiefer and photographer Melanie Stetson Freeman. Their story, “Chinese migration to the US is soaring. Here’s what happens next” reports on what happens when Chinese migrants cross the Mexican border. There, more than 24,000 Chinese were encountered between ports of entry in fiscal year 2023, up from just 330 in 2020. The prizes were awarded for best immigration reporting and for best hard news feature for a small newspaper. Find the link to this award-winning story in the comments. #China #immigration #border #awards

Is President Trump's call for "Regime Change" in Iran making it less likely that Tehran will agree to a negotiated settlement? On his social media channel Truth Social the President writes: “It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!” Some Iranian analysts say that nationalist sentiment has risen notably in recent days. Scott Peterson has been covering Iran and the Middle East for The Christian Science Monitor and is author of "Let the Swords Encircle Me: Iran – A Journey Behind the Headlines." He reports Mr. Trump's bluster may summon bitter echoes of past humiliation that still resonate in the Iranian psyche today. That may affect decisions to be flexible, or to dig in. Find the link to Scott's full analysis in comments. #Iran #Israel #NuclearWeapons #Trump

Will the bombing of Iran end the war for the US... or start it? President Trump cast the U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities as a move to force peace. But Tehran has already retaliated against Israel and shows no sign yet of acceding. Mr. Trump said Iran “must make peace” – underscoring his previous demand of “unconditional surrender” by Iran – and said that, “If they do not, future attacks will be far greater.” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X that the American strikes “will have everlasting consequences,” and that Iran “reserves all options” to retaliate. As our team for The Christian Science Monitor reports, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X that the American strikes “will have everlasting consequences,” and that Iran “reserves all options” to retaliate. Get the link to reporting by Scott Peterson, Taylor Luck and Anna Mulrine Grobe in the comments. #Iran #Israel #attack #bombing

The world’s two largest economies are trying to tamp down escalating tariffs and export controls. The latest agreement offers a reset in the relationship, yet challenges remain.

Unauthorized immigrants make up 8.3% of the workforce. What happens to the economy when they avoid workplaces? Explore this story with maps and charts. The impact of President Trump’s deportation sweep is already being felt as workers stay away from work for fear of arrest. At stake is the future of both individuals and their industries – from farming to construction to restaurants. As Patrik Jonsson and Sarah Matusek write for The Christian Science Monitor unauthorized immigrants now make up almost 1 of every 10 U.S. workers. More than one-quarter of those are in the construction and agriculture industries. Find the link to more data and analysis in comments. #immigrants #manufacturing #agriculture #deportations

Uncertainty caused by policy shifts and arrests is taking a toll on America’s workplaces, making many immigrants – with and without legal status – hesitant to go to work.

As the Senate takes up the House One Big Beautiful Bill Act, some Republicans question if it favors rich people over the party’s working-class base.

I spoke with Sara Miller Llana for this story in today's The Christian Science Monitor, drawing on my book from McGill-Queen's University Press https://lnkd.in/eUgQiE_i

When President Trump turned the spotlight on Hollywood last month with talk of a protective tariff, he drew attention to a challenge of rising urgency for California: the ongoing exodus of its vaunted film and TV production industry to other states and nations. An American cultural icon, Hollywood is seeing TV and film production flee to places offering better deals. Now, politicians are weighing in with efforts to preserve its identity as the entertainment capital of the world. As Ali Martin writes for The Christian Science Monitor, Gov. Gavin Newsom has made tax incentives a priority during his administration, pushing for a recently passed boost. Find the link to our story in comments. #hollywood #economy #trump #california