In an earlier column I argued that Homer and his epics were important for the Christian to read because Greek mythology provides historical context for Christianity. Well, it’s time to recommend another epic.

As Christians flee Syria and Iraq to escape the radical Islamic State, Lebanese Christians are preparing themselves for the possibility of hostilities flowing over their border. For the first time since the Lebanese civil war ended in 1990, Lebanese Christians are arming themselves for self-defense, deploying on hills surrounding their communities, and laying in ambush in case Muslim extremists head their way. 

North Korea paraded three American detainees before foreign media in Pyongyang on Monday, appearing to let them speak freely about their plight.

Two columns of Russian tanks rolled into southeastern Ukraine today, following a rocket attack on a border post. The outmatched Ukrainian border guards fled, according to a top Ukrainian official. 

Officials in Kiev say 1,000 Russian troops have marched into Ukraine, but Brig. Gen. Nico Tak said that was a conservative estimate. Another 20,000 Russian troops are amassed just over the border, he said. Russia’s ultimate goal, Tak suggested, was to bolster the pro-Russian separatists and create indefinite destabilization in the country. 

PORTLAND, Ore.—Roosevelt High School is in a poor area of Portland, but the beautiful brick building, surrounded by trees and a well-maintained lawn, projects a safe and well-ordered atmosphere. That hasn’t always been the case.

Seven years ago, a lawn overgrown by weeds and a derelict track suggested deeper struggles, and Roosevelt was on a list of potential closures. It was the school where parents did not want their children.

The family of an American man detained in North Korea for “anti-state” crimes apologized to the country yesterday and pleaded with officials to show mercy and release him, saying in a statement that they were desperate for him to return home. 

A Spanish missionary priest died today in Madrid after being treated for Ebola as international officials debate the ethics of using a new experimental drug.