All The Monitor's View
A global spotlight on violence against womenThe millions of tweets about the abducted Nigerian girls and now a killing rampage against women in California show the progress in global efforts to confront the issue of violence against women. Exposure of the problem is halfway to ending it.
Obama's vision of US as 'empowering partners'In his West Point speech, President Obama firmly plants a vision of US leadership as a 'hub of alliances' with the task of 'empowering partners' 鈥� not as a global cop. The US can refocus itself as a world coach mainly because humanity has made progress in shared ideals that promote peace.
The India-China rivalry over anti-graft campaignsIndia and China now have top leaders with vigorous campaigns against official corruption. Which country will succeed? Look to the one that can hold its leaders accountable for transparency and honesty.
In Ukraine, a vote to turn foe into friendAfter winning Ukraine's presidential election, Petro Poroshenko sets his first priority: reaching out to separatists. Nations in civil conflict need a healer who can calm the fears of those in rebellion.
Why Thailand's coup must be its lastThe Army coup in Thailand shows how much the Thais, especially the elite, must absorb basic concepts of citizenship, extending political power even to the poorest.
Ukraine's three answers to Russia's fear campaignThe election this Sunday is just one of Ukraine's response to Russian intimidation. The others are daily walks by workers in defiance of armed separatists and a government dialogue in the east about power sharing. This assertion of civic values is the best antidote to fear.
China's progress is not in theft of trade secretsThe US indictment of five Chinese military men for cyber-espionage against American firms is really a challenge to Beijing to fulfill its own goal of sustaining growth through home-grown innovation in technology.
Africa's best response to Boko HaramFive weeks after Boko Haram kidnapped more than 200 girls in Nigeria, the response has been mainly a military one. Yet history shows such radical groups thrive in the poorest places. With its rising prosperity, Africa must learn to spread its new wealth around.
An India ready to dream bigA sweeping election victory for Narendra Modi and his Hindu-nationalist party reflects an India with new views of its capacity for progress. But Mr. Modi must not interpret the voters' big dreams as a mandate for big-man rule.
Wanted: world model for clean sportsA new study warns of a rising threat to the integrity of sports from gambling that leads to more fixed matches. While some countries keep sports safe from manipulation, a global approach is needed, much like the fight against doping.
In Google searches of names, a right to be forgivenEurope's highest court rules that individuals can demand search engines like Google remove links to personal data. The ruling only begins to address the Internet's problem of incomplete information on a person's past mistakes.
In praise of the OSCE as Ukraine's friendAn unsung international body, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, has helped many countries become secure and democratic. Now Ukraine needs the OSCE to help resolve its tensions and hold a fair election.
How Nigerians can thwart Boko HaramForeign help for Nigeria to rescue the girls abducted by Boko Haram only highlights the government's failings, notably corruption. To dry up support for such militant groups, Nigerians must put an end to graft in high places.
An answer to Ukraine's pro-Russia vote on 'self rule'The pro-Russia votes on 'self rule' in eastern Ukraine are illegal by any measure but they reflect a legitimate challenge to the nation's identity. The interim government in Kiev has responded well with offers that reflect a civil spirit of democratic unity.
How China, Russia help spread democracyNations not in secure alliances of democracy take note when Russia annexes a piece of Ukraine and China shoots water guns at Vietnam's ships in a claim on the Paracel Islands. Security pacts based on common civic values can be strong deterrents.
Negotiate with Boko Haram to release girls?Nigeria rules out talking with Boko Haram until the girls are released. But it also welcomes US assistance in hostage negotiation. It must draw on the experience of other countries in how and when to negotiate with terrorists.
Liberator's hubris and the South African electionLike many parties that liberated their country, South Africa's ANC expects to win every election. But examples in other countries show why the ANC should, and can, reform itself rather than cling to past glory.
Supreme Court puts wings on public prayersIn a ruling that allows public prayers before a town meeting, the Supreme Court points to their spiritual purpose in guiding lawmakers while also setting down constitutional bumpers against an abuse of public prayer.- One Moscow voice for healing in UkraineAs violence escalates in Ukraine, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church appears to distance himself from President Putin, calling for healing and reconciliation. Churches that align with the state often learn the hard way that Caesar has his own kingdom.
Finding Nigeria's missing girlsProtests have erupted in Nigeria two weeks after the Islamic militant group Boko Haram captured more than 200 schoolgirls. Nigerians must be careful not to overreact and play into the terrorists' strategy.
