All The Monitor's View
Don't ignore Ukraine's quiet revolutionDespite headlines of war threats, armed rebellions, and more sanctions, Ukrainians are quietly enacting reforms to curb corruption and cement democracy in time for the May 25 elections. This display of self-help is worthy of Western support.
The neighborliness of ethical shoppersPurchases of 'ethical' products in Britain, such as organic food, now surpass those of alcohol and tobacco. What drives this steady global trend in 'conscious consuming'?
What's behind FDA rules on e-cigarettesThe FDA's proposed regulations on electronic cigarettes help build on progress since 1964 in snuffing out any desire for tobacco-related products among Americans. The latest rules aim to help more teens make healthy choices over nicotine addiction.
Why Obama reassures alliesCrises from Syria to Crimea to Japan force President Obama and top US securitys official to fly around the world reassuring allies of US security commitments. One good reason: so that nonnuclear countries don't go nuclear.
Why Obama must be in AsiaThe Obama trip to Asia fits a pattern of recent presidents trying to help a fractious region avoid conflicts by uniting around shared values. Pivotal to this US role are a regional trade pact and China's acceptance of universal values.
Calling a truce in class warfareA major book on capitalism's flaws by a French economist reignites the debate on income inequality. But why must capitalism's past be prologue if capitalism can help trim its excesses?
An Internet army of truth-tellersDespite Russia's attempts to control the Internet and manipulate opinion, especially over events in Ukraine, the truth seeps out. Social-media activists help ensure the free flow of ideas and facts.
How to defang Russia, ChinaIn Obama's coming visit to Japan, and Biden's to Ukraine, the US can counter the territorial aggression of Russia and China by affirming the power of alliances based on universal ideals.
Why Ukraine forces must act differentlyThe start of operations against protesters in eastern Ukraine will be a test of the country's new commitment to democratic rights, such as peaceful assembly. Soldiers must now show restraint against unarmed demonstrators, less so against armed ones. This will influence Russia's actions.
How to prevent a Boston-type bombingOn the first anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings, one focus should be on how Muslims can prevent fellow believers from drifting toward radical ideology. What if the Tsarnaev brothers had been given such help?
Be glad for Greeks bearing giftsGreece's welcome return to financial markets after years of austerity shows Europe's economy is on the mend. Belt-tightening in the most-troubled euro nations is leading to growth.
A year later, lessons from the Boston Marathon bombingsLong after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, the city felt a surprising social cohesion, the kind that helps bring hope and healing. Many cities try to boost 'social resilience' to act as a community shock absorber and as a building stone after a tragedy.
In a year of many elections, Muslim ones stand outElections in Indonesia, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Tunisia could further redefine Islam's role in Muslim countries still learning the ways of democracy.
Tallying up social progressTrying to measure social progress with a global index that compares countries can be as fraught as the reliance on GDP statistics. Yet it points to new ways to view progress.
Stepping up the innovation ladderProtests in Taiwan against a trade pact with China illustrate the difficulties that countries can have in staying innovative enough to compete with low-wage nations. Innovation often requires a culture shift.
India election: a pivot to Hindu nationalism?The India election that begins this week could catapult a Hindu nationalist, Narendra Modi, to power. How he defines the national interest will determine India's place in the world as a peaceful player.
What to celebrate in Rwanda's genocide anniversaryThe 20th anniversary of the Rwanda genocide should focus as much on how the African nation worked toward reconciliation through forgiveness as on the mass slaughter itself.
Why a Supreme Court ruling may help curb corruptionA Supreme Court ruling that further lifts curbs on money in politics is a reminder of why global efforts against corruption must be grass roots.
The US-Russia 'great game' over UkraineThe US-Russia talks over Ukraine's future left out the Ukrainian people, treating them like pawns on a chessboard. In the age of democracy and the Internet, big powers cannot go over the heads of individuals and their aspirations.
Afghanistan election: a feat to beholdDespite Taliban threats against voters, Afghans are eager to cast ballots in Saturday's pivotal presidential election. The world must support their desire to consolidate their triumphs since 2001.
