All The Monitor's View
From Timbuktu, a timeless lessonIn a first, a jihadist is charged with a war crime for destroying ancient cultural sites. The case before the International Criminal Court reflects a legal pushback against such destruction and a moral reinforcement to preserve humanity鈥檚 most timeless heritage.
Syria鈥檚 calm before the peaceA temporary truce, brokered by Russia and the US, has brought the first lull in violence in Syria鈥檚 five-year conflict. As it brings some stability and hope, it is also a test of sincerity for coming peace talks.
Peace message in Iran鈥檚 electionDespite a rigged list of candidates, voters in Iran鈥檚 Feb. 26 election found a way to elect relative moderates who seek a less threatening country more open to the world. The vote was a humiliating blow to Iran鈥檚 clerical rule.聽
Advice for a world in search of innovationThe US presidential campaign is raising voter fears about the future more than focusing on what Warren Buffett calls America鈥檚 鈥榮ecret sauce鈥� 鈥� its long history of sustained gains in economic productivity.
Psst! 鈥楶lastics鈥� needs to be reformedOne of the world鈥檚 most successful and versatile materials is also a potential environmental disaster.
Turning politics outside inMoney still corrupts politics but maybe not in the way we think.
Exit the EU? What Britain should be asking.A June referendum on whether Britain should stay in the European Union has focused mainly on the economic impact. A great power with immense 鈥榮oft power鈥� needs to also look at its global contributions.
Endgame for an opiate epidemicWhen US governors met in Washington, their focus was on novel ways to deal with a rise in nonmedical use of prescription opiates. Vermont鈥檚 governor had some answers.聽
Apple court case takes a bite on libertyA court鈥檚 order for Apple to assist the FBI in hacking a terrorist鈥檚 iPhone is about more than security or privacy. It also raises questions about coercing individuals or companies to act on behalf of government.
For the Mideast, an anniversary to rememberThe 25th anniversary of the Gulf War liberated Kuwait from Iraqi rule 鈥� and it helped leave Kuwait as a relatively good counterpoint to the region鈥檚 extremism.
A morality tale in Argentina鈥檚 debt epiphanyA newly elected president is near a deal to end Argentina鈥檚 long debt woes. The country鈥檚 15-year saga provides a lesson for a world awash in red ink.聽
Oil鈥檚 fall may be democracy鈥檚 riseThe biggest oil producers, which are trying to prop up global prices, are also among the last countries to make reforms that will lift them from a 鈥榬esource curse.鈥�
Reclaim civility for the 2016 electionsAs presidential candidates slip toward slurs and shouting, other leaders as well as citizens must preserve the power of civility in public discourse.
Unsung heroes who rescue Syria鈥檚 refugeesAs peace talks falter and the war in Syria escalates, one good constant has been the compassionate welcome and rescue of refugees by common residents in neighboring states. Good examples can be found on Greek islands.
Making the world safe for anti-corruption whistle-blowersA Ukrainian official鈥檚 resignation over corruption prompts an unusually strong response from world bodies. The global campaign against official wrongdoing has made it easier for many people to stand up for honest governance.
Hong Kong鈥檚 lessons in coping with ChinaA Feb. 8 riot and police crackdown in Hong Kong reveals the harsher hand of China but also a dilemma for the territory on how to deal with Beijing鈥檚 fear of dissent. The world must watch how Hong Kong decides.
Mercy for Myanmar's military?As she and her winning party prepare to run Parliament, Aung San Suu Kyi faces pressure from the military鈥檚 millions of victims for revenge. She wisely argues to allow the Army to reform.
Fixing both Flint and its water pipesThe water-pollution tragedy in Flint deserves quick solutions but the city鈥檚 citizens, led by a new mayor, are also rightly looking at rebuilding the trust necessary to improve democratic governance.
Lessons for Syria from ColombiaAs it nears a historic peace deal to end a long civil war, Colombia鈥檚 leaders say the key was giving the victims of the conflict a seat at the table. It created a tender mutuality and compassion that eased the peace process.
Winning peace for minorities in Muslim landsEnding terrorist attacks on religious minorities will require more than weapons. Since 9/11, more scholars are challenging Muslims and others to embrace ideas that prevent religious violence.
