The former rebels say they're getting a sense of American life in Massachusetts. After months of tense checkpoints in Libya, one says he's surprised he never has to show identification except for buying cigarettes. And a doctor who's treating them wonders what he'd do if asked to pick up arms against a dictator.

Over the weekend, tens of thousands of people gathered in the streets of Moscow. They disagree with elections allegedly rigged in favor of Vladimir Putin's party. Lilia Shevtsova, senior Russia analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, talks to Steve Inskeep about the demonstrations.

Sounds of Christmas celebrations from around the world, featuring worshipers in Singapore, Bethlehem, Mumbai, Beijing and Athens — as well as recorded Christmas messages from Queen Elizabeth II and President Barack Obama.

In the week since U.S. troops withdrew from Iraq and Washington announced the end of the war there, bombs have killed scores in Baghdad and the government is being driven by sectarian discord. NPR's Sean Carberry speaks with host Audie Cornish about the latest events from Baghdad.

If you think of the British as reserved and proper, think again. This is the season when the Brits loosen their stiff upper lips and, even in these austere times, devote themselves to merry-making. They grab their kids and head for the theater for a raucous and peculiarly British form of entertainment: the traditional Christmas pantomime.

As Russians mark the 20th anniversary of the collapse of the Soviet Union, their political system has reached another watershed moment. Tens of thousands turned out Saturday for another huge protest against apparent fraud in this month's parliamentary election. The urban middle class in Moscow has risen up to demand greater political rights.