All The Monitor's View
Wal-Mart's pay hike and the cycle of virtuesThe world's largest private employer plans a raise for its lowest-paid workers, a sign of a drive in many countries to hike wages to stimulate economies. Firms need to look beyond the bottom line in how they treat employees.
In court sentencing, beware data-driven 'risk' toolsA trend in US courts and elsewhere to use analytical 'risk assessment' tools in determining a person's future dangerousness undercuts the notion of individual agency in choosing a moral and lawful life.
Turkey's protests by women: jihad of a different sortHuge protests in Turkey, on the streets and Twitter following a woman's murder, are aimed at violence against women. Yet they are also the biggest sign yet of Muslim women waging a struggle against ancient Islamic views.
A beaming White House summit on 'extremism'This week's gathering of some 60 nations in Washington looks at ways to counter Islamic State's lure of more recruits. The best way is to shine a light on the dark emptiness of such groups.
When 'bystander intervention' worksAt the US military academies, students report a decline in unwanted sexual contact. One possible reason is new training in 'bystander intervention,' or preventing an assault when a person nearby speaks up or takes action. A Pentagon report adds legitimacy to 'good Samaritan' training at educational institutions.
Ukraine ceasefires: Why the mediators matterThe latest attempt at a Ukraine ceasefire was mediated by the EU's top leaders. The first one was mediated by the 57-nation OSCE. These supranational bodies are a good answer to Russia's super-nationalism聽
Finding 'the next big thing'As productivity slows, experts ask if an era of innovation is over. Has the digital revolution lost its juice? Optimists say invention only drives more invention.
In India, a clean sweep for honest governanceAn anticorruption party's big election victory in India's capital may reflect a popular mood in many of the world's fast-growing cities: Urban poor seek honesty in officials.
Nigeria's ballots vs. Boko Haram's bulletsA delay of the Nigerian presidential election is unfortunate but perhaps necessary to ensure a credible vote. An improved democracy is the best weapon against terrorists.
Learning to talk to enemiesFrom Russia to Iran to Cuba, the US or its allies have engaged morally suspect regimes that are prone to abuse diplomatic negotiations. Any talks with adversaries must have a good prospect of success to be justified.
The very model of a modern Arab democracyTunisia's newly formed elected government includes both Islamist and anti-Islamist parties. With much of the Arab world in turmoil, this model of tolerant pluralism needs to be the region's lodestar.
A new king's duty to young SaudisWith a new monarch, Saudi Arabia must set a better example in reforms that appeal to disaffected young Muslims who may seek a purpose by fighting for Islamic State.
Sweet lures for China, RussiaDespite aggression against their neighbors, China and Russia are being offered a place in regional trade unions. This honey of an offer requires a different view of them than simply as bullies.
Ukraine's war of the pewsRussia's use of the Orthodox Church in its struggle over Ukraine has both divided churches in the war-town country and united them in seeking a common peace. They and the faithful, more than the fighting, may end this war.
Why beheading journalists backfiresThe Islamic State has now beheaded three journalists, the latest being Kenji Goto of Japan. His reports on the innocent in conflicts only highlights why groups like ISIL need a spotlight of journalistic truth on them.
Remodeling democracy, 800 years onGlobal surveys show rising distrust of traditional democracy, and many institutions. Yet other indicators suggest young people want different types of civic engagement. The media must probe beyond the politics of conflict.
Dousing China's puffing dragonChina has launched a campaign for nonsmokers and against nicotine addiction. Despite a lack of enforcement of current smoking bans and the government's addiction to tobacco revenue, China might become a model for other countries.
Europe's trials bring lessons for Ukraine warThe nearly yearlong war in Ukraine has escalated, forcing Europe to find a new unity of purpose in how to respond. The EU's lessons from its other crises can help.
Why Germany should invest in GreeceThe Jan. 25 Greek election results may be about ending fiscal austerity and heavy debt burdens. But any relief needs to be coupled with a boost for Greek abilities to be better entrepreneurs 鈥� and be competitive enough to pay off debts.
Nations that tap female empowermentOn his visit to India, President Obama can take note of a new reform aimed at boosting the value of girls and women in the economy. Many countries now see female empowerment as necessary for growth.
