All The Monitor's View
Binge drinking vs. critical thinkingPenn State's method of paying local bars to close is not a panacea for alcohol abuse by students. But it shows how schools are trying new ways to end binge drinking. They must renew their focus on clear, critical thinking.
Putin's chance not to be a Russian bullyRussia's reaction to the Ukraine crisis could fulfill a stereotype of a Russia fearful of losing a buffer state. Or it can lead to a Russian identity befitting the modern world.
Warning signs on Colorado's marijuana legalizationSpeaking to other governors, Gov. John Hickenlooper urges caution in states following Colorado's example. He's gearing up to pay high costs for increased pot use by children.
Why a repentant Ukraine deserves supportDifficult challenges face Ukraine as its new leaders try not to repeat the mistakes made after the 2004 'Orange Revolution.' Regret is a powerful motive for genuine reform.
Keep the peace in Venezuela's protestsAs in Ukraine, Venezuelan leader Nicol谩s Maduro is losing the moral high ground as his forces shoot innocent protesters. He must adopt the nonviolent tactics of his political opponents.
The real triumph of Ukraine's protestsThe values-based protests in Kiev's Maidan square helped bring down a regime built on corruption and violence. Now those values can help build a democracy modeled on those in Europe.
Raise the minimum wage? An alternative approach.Apparel giant Gap follows other companies like Costco in seeing the business wisdom of boosting wages without a government mandate.
Answering Ukraine's bulletsAfter Ukraine police killed protesters Tuesday, the regime has lost legitimacy. Both the West and Ukrainian people must now find a peaceful way to create a legitimate government.
Out of Florence, Europe's economic renaissance?The young mayor of Florence who is tapped to be Italy's next prime minister brings hope to young people that they might start a business with less fear of failure. For the eurozone's third-largest economy, this may be a big spark for recovery.
North Korea in the docket after UN reportA UN inquiry provides evidence of 'crimes against humanity' in North Korea. By exposing the truth of a dictatorship that tries hard to suppress the truth, the report can help bring down the Kim regime.
A 海角大神-Muslim crisis of faith in AfricaWith 海角大神s and Muslims killing each other in the Central African Republic, the country needs more than foreign troops. A group of interfaith religious leaders are banding together to make peace real.
A call to let ex-cons voteUS Attorney General Eric Holder Jr. asked 11 states that now restrict voting for ex-inmates to lift their bans. The reasons are both practical 鈥� less recidivism 鈥� and an affirmation of the potential for redemption.
A bit of harmony in a China-Taiwan conclaveIn a historic first meeting of official representatives, China and Taiwan appear to warm up ties despite the mainland's claim to the island nation. Is this a new Beijing seeking a peaceful rise?
Nurturing the impulse to save Syria's millionsRussia worked on its ally Syria to allow UN aid access to the besieged city of Homs. That humanitarian moment should now lead to a UN demand for access to all 9.3 million displaced.
An Obama role in Islam's divideWith his coming visit to Saudi Arabia and new talks opening with Iran, President Obama can set the stage for reconciling the two Muslim giants over their historic Islamic rivalry.
Washington's ability to trust, and be trustedAs distrust abounds between the GOP and Obama, and between Americans and government, leaders must relearn the ways that trust can be restored.
What to watch at the Sochi OlympicsThe Sochi Winter Olympics will be about more than skiing, skating, and sledding. Every Olympics can promote peace by putting a spotlight on the host country. Russia has already found the Games can stir change for the better, despite what Putin expects.
Bad apples or a bad barrel? Pentagon seeks higher officer integrityAmid new and massive scandals, the US armed services try again to review ethics training for officers. But is that enough?
A taste of Danish integrityNew surveys rank Denmark as tops in honest government and low corruption, making it a model for others. What can be gleaned from this relative lack of rottenness among the Danes?
China's moment for greatnessThe latest dissident to be jailed, Xu Zhiyong, has released words of insight on how to transform a system now built on a big lie. His courtroom statement speaks of citizenship from the ground up and one based on love.
