All The Monitor's View
China鈥檚 voice in the global operaAs Chinese leader Xi Jinping holds a summit with President Obama and takes command of the G20, he must also define what values China offers as it tries to reshape the international system.
New ways to protect the innocent in warAs the nature of war changes, the International Committee of the Red Cross is struggling to ensure compliance with the humanitarian principles of the Geneva Conventions. Even the most extreme militants must be convinced of the need to protect civilians.
Seeing Ukraine as an opportunityA renewed cease-fire, debt restructuring, and more reforms are helping transform Ukraine from a crisis into an opportunity for Europe.
The global call for more border wallsDonald Trump鈥檚 promise of a secure wall on the US-Mexican border reflects a trend in many nations to fortify their boundaries. A better course lies in more cooperation between countries and tackling root causes of perceived border threats.
Saying 鈥榬ubbish鈥� in Lebanon to politics by faithA garbage-pickup crisis has sparked protests aimed at fixing a government stalemated for too long by the attempt to balance religious rivalry. Lebanon may set an example in the Mideast for government based on individual equality regardless of faith.聽
North Korea鈥檚 old ruse faltersNorth Korea鈥檚 latest violent provocation of South Korea ended with an agreement that appears to break an old pattern. The South may have learned how to deal with the North鈥檚 attempts to intimidate.
Africa鈥檚 democratic road to economic unityWith the launch of an ambitious project to form a free-trade zone, Africa must also realize that trade is best enhanced when states are democratic.
New Orleans鈥� thanks for post-Katrina volunteersTo mark the 10th anniversary of its devastating hurricane, New Orleans called on citizens to volunteer in service projects, a celebration of the generosity shown the city by private givers over the past decade.
Taproot for Europe's migrant crisisThe largest share of refugees streaming into Europe is from Syria. Solving the war there is as important as dealing with the symptom of Syrians crossing the Mediterranean to find peace.
As China鈥檚 economy cools, a hot debate on graftCritics contend that China鈥檚 anti-corruption campaign has helped to slow the economy. But the evidence points to honest governance as better for growth, if integrity in officials can be promoted.
Heroin addiction as a US campaign issueA heroin epidemic in New Hampshire, which will hold the first presidential primary, has forced both Democratic and Republican candidates to address this nationwide problem. The surprising consensus is on the need for treatment versus jail time.
Ignoring wrongs in Syria to battle Islamic StateThe US cannot hope the Assad regime will contain Islamic State because the regime鈥檚 atrocities are a prime recruiting tool for IS.
Loving the migrant but perhaps not migration policyAs immigration politics now dominate in Europe, attacks on refugees have led to grass-roots efforts to meet the basic needs of migrants. Compassion over politics is a needed step to resolve social tensions.
After another China disaster, giving again in spotlightThe big blasts in Tianjin saw a charitable response by private groups, raising again the question of how to encourage generosity in countries like China.
The right use of history in Asia鈥檚 futureAs China plans a major event Sept. 3 to mark the anniversary of the end of World War II, it reveals much about differing paths for Asia. To prevent conflict, Asia must think less of power relationships and more of ideals that unite.
Focus on Internet's potential more than its problemsIn a coming global summit and in trade talks, leaders must not be gripped by fear of the Internet鈥檚 issues. Its benefits are still playing out, especially for the world鈥檚 poor.
The Arab-Israeli courtshipHints are growing of Israel and the Gulf kingdoms finding common ground, if only to oppose Iran and Islamic State. These initial ties should be the basis for a lasting peace.
In a smaller world, giants must tread with careWith China鈥檚 surprise move on its exchange rate and the US due to raise interest rates, the time is ripe to reset global financial rules that soften the effects of economic nationalism.
Iraqi leaders on the hot seatA heat wave pushes Iraqis to demand the kind of honest government that can keep the power on and air conditioners running. Such demands are key to building an Iraqi identity and ending incursions by Islamic State and Iran.
Haiti鈥檚 graduation to self-governanceThe first of three elections may end Haiti鈥檚 political dysfunction and cycle of dependency if enough Haitians embrace democracy as the path to stable institutions.
