All The Monitor's View
Why Tunisia's election mattersA largely peaceful and honest vote provides a basis for further progress and keeps the high hopes of the Arab Spring alive.
The burden of Colorado's pot tourismSince Colorado legalized marijuana in 2014, it has placed a law-enforcement burden on neighboring states in coping with pot tourists. Now two border states want help from the Supreme Court. They deserve it.
When children stand up to terrorAfter the mass killing of children in Pakistan, students in India hold vigils or say prayers for the victims. Such cross-border empathy by children should not only change leaders in Pakistan and India but help global efforts against terrorism.
Obama's Cuban invasionIn opening official ties with Cuba, President Obama made sure to focus on the Cuban people more than the Castro regime. Globalization, such as the Internet, has empowered individuals, making governments less important to the forces of change.
Taliban massacre of children: how Pakistan must now changeThe Taliban massacre of school children, meant to avenge a military offensive, has stirred political leaders to unite. Perhaps this will lead to firm civilian control of the military and put an end to leniency toward all types of armed groups outside state authority.
A Middle East ripe for visionDespite its many woes, the region of 350 million people has enough potent possibilities to call for an overarching vision. Any prophets, however, may not arise among current leaders, but rather among the people.
A universal hug in climate change pactFor the first time, all nations agree to take some action on global warming. While the deeds may be minimal and voluntary, the collective nature of the Lima Accord can help alleviate fears and lead to a treaty in 2015.
Love from China's famed dissidentAfter years in prison for his convictions, Liu Xiaobo sends a message that he has 'no personal enemies.' Like other famed dissidents in history, he may find strength in embracing his persecutors.
'Senate torture report': a window on rules of warThe Senate Intelligence Committee report on CIA interrogations of terrorism suspects should serve as a springboard for a global effort to enforce the rules of war.
Backing aid heroes in world conflictsToday's wars are setting near records in refugees, need for aid money 鈥� and aid workers killed. Bringing peace requires more than arms or diplomacy. It needs more compassion toward the displaced.
A light on Iran's dark powersIran's president calls an end to the consolidation of power, which may be a challenge to rule by ayatollah. His words reflect a need to balance power in government based on the equality and dignity of each citizen.
How to fix police-black distrustCalls for reform of police after the killing of blacks in the US must include more ways to build trust and inclusiveness in cities. Worldwide, as more people live in cities, urban life needs constant work toward mutual dependence.
Russia's march toward self-relianceAs its oil revenue drops and Western sanctions over Ukraine take hold, Russia seeks to cut its economic dependence. Yet the history of prosperity shows the need for nations to share in mutual dependence.
With fewer young people gambling, time for a government rethinkDespite a proliferation of casinos and lotteries, fewer Americans are playing, especially those under 30. Now is a good time to question government backing of an industry that targets youths.
When companies come clean on briberyA global report on foreign corruption reveals a high rate of self-reporting by companies that paid bribes, a sign of the momentum to curb graft in both business and government.
Spotting the inviolate in oil price volatilityAs oil prices fall and OPEC tries to influence markets, the world again faces uncertainty in energy costs. Yet after decades of price fluctuations, this may have an upside.
A pulpit rebuke of Nigeria's terroristsAfter a horrific suicide bombing at a Nigerian mosque Friday, the country's second-leading Islamic figure offered prayers at the site and denounced Boko Haram for its pretense of being Islamic. Such a public rebuke should set an example for other Muslim leaders.
Why rage lingers after Ferguson jury decisionProtests over a grand jury clearing a white policeman in the shooting of an unarmed black man in Ferguson, Mo., may reflect a nationwide mood that the 'system is stacked against me.' President Obama can address this popular alienation, as he has in the past.
In Iran-West nuclear talks, a new deadline is a lifelineBy not walking away from their talks after the Nov. 24 deadline, Iran and the US-led big powers indicate progress has been made amid a rising level of trust. That trust must be further built up to persuade each side's hardline critics that a deal is viable.
In praise of a global sacrificeFrom India to Indonesia, more leaders are reducing fuel subsidies, and not only for economic reasons. Doing so also helps reduce inequality, curb carbon pollution, and free up money to directly aid the poor.
