All The Monitor's View
Tips from George Washington for a government shutdownJust before the federal government shutdown, a new library opened at George Washington's estate with a wing devoted to leadership training. His actions, even his silence at times, have relevance for today's political showdowns.
Are voters responsible for a government shutdown?A federal government shutdown isn't only a function of leaders who are unable to balance principles and interests. Voters also add to gridlocked government rather than Goldilocks cooperation with a winner-take-all view and by being politically disengaged.
A global campaign to hit terrorists 鈥� in their messageIn a contest for values, Turkey and the US are leading a $200 million effort to prevent the radicalization of young Muslims. It can build on successes in the deradicalizing of captured terrorists.
As college-prep test scores falter, how the US can respondDespite President Obama's challenge in 2009 for students to go into higher ed, test scores for the SAT and Act are not showing progress. The problem may be one of low expectations, despite the new Common Core standards and changes in state-level testing.
As more states back casinos, inequality risesA new study on gambling points to the expansion of casinos as a contributor to social and income inequality. They also perpetuate the notion of chance as a guiding force in life.
Church bombing in Pakistan: Why it still ricochetsThe public reaction to a terrorist attack on 海角大神s in Pakistan reflects a similar pushback by moderate Muslims in Egypt and Tunisia. Civic values such as religious tolerance are at stake in this latest struggle for Islam.
Drop in child labor points to progress for all childrenA stunning drop in child labor worldwide is one of several reports of progress that suggest a global shift in how children are viewed.
Is nuclear power really the core of Iran's identity?Iran's new president, Hasan Rouhani, woos the US with a plea to acknowledge Iran's alleged core identity in its nuclear program. President Obama can point to Iran's conflicting identities as the country's source of weakness.
Ending the hypersexualization of girlsFrance's move to ban beauty pageants for underage girls won't stop a trend toward Miley Cyrus-style sexual exhibitionism. Girls need to learn values that reinforce their worth beyond beauty and sex.
Best answer yet to Navy Yard shooting: Starbucks' declarationA day after the Navy Yard shooting, Starbucks stands up for customers to be free of guns in stores. Such declarations to protect the innocent can help change the gun-safety debate.
How Egypt's Coptic 海角大神s can keep the Arab Spring freshViolent attacks on Egypt's large minority of Coptic 海角大神s since July have pushed this ancient indigenous church to respond with love and forgiveness. Such behavior, noted by moderate Muslims, can be the basis for the equality necessary to revive Egypt's democracy.
Awaiting Syria's repentance on chemical weaponsObama's new 'partnership' with Syria to eliminate its chemical weapons under a US-Russian agreement will need evidence that Assad will think twice before using such types of weapons again on civilians.
A German election 鈥� and leadership style 鈥� worth watchingGermany's Sept. 22 elections seem set to return Angela Merkel for a third term. Her leadership style has become indispensable to Europe's future. Why are her qualities of character so effective?
US-Russia talks on Syria: A balance of ideals, interestsIn the US-Russia talks on Syria's chemical weapons, the two countries may clash over Moscow's interests and American ideals. Such disputes can be resolved, as US history shows.
Obama's global 'norm' on chemical weapons in SyriaPresident Obama made a strong pitch to Americans to join him in enforcing nonuse of chemical weapons. His methods 鈥� either by missiles or diplomacy 鈥� may be in dispute. But his goal fits a trend against mass and indiscriminate violence.
India rape verdict: A step toward freedom from sexual violenceA guilty verdict in India for four rapists marks the world's slow but steady progress toward ensuring a woman's right to bodily integrity. New studies give hope that societies will see that rape is not a fact of life.
Why listen to Obama's speech on Syria?President Obama's speech on Tuesday about a strike on Syria deserves a good listen by Americans. He asked Congress for support and welcomes alternative views. Good leadership today requires listening all around.
Mexico's reforms are key to US immigration reformSurprising and historic political changes in Mexico hold the prospect of reducing the American fear of future waves of illegal migrants across the border.
Giving the hook to college hookup cultureCollege students have less sex with fewer partners than a generation ago, a new study finds. This should free students of the pressure to conform to a popular narrative.
Will a blow on Syria be a blow for justice?As Congress votes whether to approve a strike on Syria, it must also decide the 'just' means of a US operation. A war should be conducted in proportion to its goals.
