All The Monitor's View
Obama鈥檚 best legacy on raceIn what may be his parting speech as president on race relations, President Obama focused on a theme common in his previous talks: the need to acknowledge racial progress already made in America.
London鈥檚 bridge to European MuslimsThe election of a Muslim as London鈥檚 mayor, along with other examples of respect for religious differences, helps counter an anti-Islam narrative in Europe.
Why US must help kids be free of vapingThe new FDA regulations on the sale of e-cigarettes to minors is only a step toward raising a generation free of nicotine addiction.
The unconventional 2016 presidential raceDespite all its hand-wringing surprises, the contest has shown how democracy breeds innovation in ideas and people.聽聽
A model to stem mass migration?In just a few weeks, an EU-Turkey pact has led to a big decline in the flow of migrants into Greece. Its mix of compassion and legality could be a model for similar agreements.
Why prayer appeals to AmericansIn time for National Prayer Day, a study finds not only widespread reliance on prayer for healing but also the main predictor of prayer. (Hint: It has something to do with God鈥檚 love.)
The real war against Islamic StateThe political turmoil in Iraq鈥檚 government reflects the struggle to counter Islamic State鈥檚 notion of clerical rule with democratic ideals of equality between all individuals.
Identity and the new 鈥榞lobal citizen鈥�As more people identify as 鈥榞lobal citizens,鈥� the term needs an anchor in individual identity.聽
Where Trump, Clinton overlap on SyriaTrump鈥檚 foreign-policy speech finds some common ground with Clinton in the concern for protecting the innocent in Syria鈥檚 brutal war.
The audacity of a Saudi visionRather than simply attack the country鈥檚 many domestic problems directly, a Saudi plan instead creates opportunities for a post-oil economy. It might help shift the global debate on climate change.聽
The uses of gratitude in diplomacyPresident Obama鈥檚 message on a European tour was that the Continent can help overcome its many woes by remembering the progress it has made 鈥� and the example it still sets for the world.
Long road to trust for the car industryMore scandals have hit the global car industry since revelations about VW鈥檚 diesel emissions. Transparency will help carmakers rebuild badly shaken trust.
An odd up-and-down in the presidential raceDistrust of government is at a record high but turnout in many primaries is higher than normal.聽 Why voters say one thing to pollsters and do another.
What lies behind turmoil in Brazil, UkraineA president faces impeachment, a prime minister resigns 鈥� these are signs of voters fed up with corruption and looking for blame. The ultimate answer, however, lies in choosing and voting for moral candidates.
What Obama must see in Saudi ArabiaUS-Saudi ties are not in the best shape, but President Obama should look to the emerging civic identity of Saudi youth, found in their digital life and demand for rights.
A world free of drug abuse? The UN must keep trying.聽A UN special assembly on drugs will try to rebuild a global consensus on drug policies. New treatments offer hope for abusers in being addiction-free. But anti-drug enforcement, while in need of reform, should not be reduced.
The payoff in not paying off an officialA survey of global firms finds a trend in honesty: More corporations are experiencing fewer losses to corrupt competitors who are still willing to pay a bribe. It seems running a business with integrity in a corrupt environment can be profitable.聽
Germany鈥檚 humane rush to integrate refugeesChancellor Angela Merkel has helped stem the flow of migrants into Europe and now has a plan to integrate many in Germany. The plan offers both carrots and sticks to ensure 鈥榗ohesion鈥� in German society.
Good grades for girls鈥� educationWith so much progress worldwide, the champions of better schooling for girls seek further gains. They have plenty of successful models and new sources of money.
Echoes of Arab Spring in peace stepsA possible driver for cease-fires in Syria, Libya, and Yemen may be a high desire for freedom and equality among Arab youth. A new survey reveals their aspirations, five years since the Arab Spring.
