All The Monitor's View
Breaking the fall of trust in institutionsA global survey shows a sharp decline of trust in government, business, and other institutions. Rebuilding trust starts with qualities that lessen the fear of rapid change or end corrupt practices.
Finding unity on a new health-care lawObamacare set down access to health care as a universal good, a point that Trump and much of the GOP now concedes. A new law would help fix flaws in the Affordable Care Act.
Indonesia鈥檚 hunt for honest taxpayersA tax amnesty in this Southeast Asian nation has yielded a mass display of contrition among tax evaders. The new honesty will help rebuild both the economy and democracy.
The Big Apple鈥檚 big drop in crimeKillings and felonies are way down as the city shifts police work to focus on habitual lawbreakers. The key: offering a choice to be free of crime.
That Detroit light on urban revivalAs Washington debates bipartisan spending on infrastructure, it can take a cue from Detroit鈥檚 post-bankruptcy progress in bringing a fresh light on urban dark spots.
Hacking as political warfareThe US election hack shows the power of digital dirty tricks.
Africa rising? Well, yes it is.Plenty of bad news gets reported. But deeper trend lines show progress too.
A defining French votePresidential elections this spring could signal the end of the European Union.
If college football is so popular, where are the fans?Attendance at bowl games is declining; schools should find out why.
Two clergymen who helped free humanity2017 marks the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther鈥檚 revolutionary act 鈥� and the 50th of Martin Luther King Jr.鈥檚 expanded mission.
For young or old, the 21st-century workplace is a challengeThe rules are changing, and workers are finding advantages and disadvantages in the new gig economy.
Letting go 鈥� and looking aheadSaying 鈥榞ood riddance鈥� to the old year is only a start.
The disappearing death penaltyThe use of capital punishment dropped again in 2016, a positive trend.
Will 2017 be the year to defeat sports doping?2016 revealed massive illegal drug use by Russian athletes. Could that scandal become a turning point?
Kabila has overstayed his welcomeThe longer the president of the Congo remains in power past the end of his constitutional term, the more resentment will build.
Looking beyond the holidaysThe world needs the song of Christmas year round
Germany after the market attack: 鈥榝ree, together, and open鈥�Ordinary people in Germany and elsewhere are rejecting the temptation of hate and fear.
Finding alternatives to solitary confinementBoth the federal government and states are looking at ways to reduce the practice, which a UN agency has called a form of torture.
Syrian-Americans: model immigrants?A study of earlier immigrants from Syria finds them 鈥榙oing very well鈥� and should ease concerns about recent refugees.
A Japan-Russia step toward reconciliationThe two countries agreed on a move toward resolving a territorial dispute by first focusing on a common goal : joint development. If it works, the agreement may be a model for similar disputes in Asia.
