All The Monitor's View
A path to peace in land, resource disputesA Taiwan-Japan agreement on fisheries near the Senkaku islands sets a model for China in avoiding dangerous moves on island claims.
Are gun politics too complex? Simplicity would help.As the Newtown families plead for Congress to act, lawmakers 鈥� and President Obama 鈥� admit to the complexity of gun issues. Scholars on simplicity offer some ideas.
What made Margaret Thatcher special in her timeMargaret Thatcher's leadership qualities were essential for Britain and the world of the 1980s, but her failings also provide lessons for leaders today.
Can hope replace North Korea's fears?The escalation of fear between North Korea and the US reveals the danger of relying too much on fear of retaliatory nuclear attacks as a strategy for defense. The difficult task of replacing North Korea's fears with hopes of peace and prosperity must continue.
Facebook 'Home' as metaphor for an innovative economyThe new Facebook 'Home' is designed for a pure social experience, or encouraging more collaboration 鈥� the very quality needed to drive innovation in the workplace and spur economic growth.
Australia's example in healing the sexually abusedA special panel begins work taking testimony from Australians sexually abused as children in institutions, such as churches and police stations. Allowing victims to speak will be a first step toward personal healing and national reform.
How a Wal-Mart struggle in India shows world progressStung by a case of corruption in Mexico, Wal-Mart pushes its Indian associates to be squeaky clean. Such action shows the global effects of a US anti-corruption law.
Amid another North Korea storm, look who's calmSouth Koreans, unlike many around the world, don't react with fear to North Korea's verbal and nuclear threats. Why this wise reaction?
In Atlanta test-cheating scandal, a case for 'good apples'Indictments of 35 Atlanta educators in a test-cheating scandal may be shocking. But preventing such scandals requires a refocus on tapping the conscience of public servants to choose honesty.
When helping the poor doesn't helpIn a new study, the International Monetary Fund takes aim at energy subsidies, a common practice by countries to help the poor or benefit consumers and industry. The costs far outweigh any benefits, especially for the poor, finds the IMF.
Why a BRICS 'world bank' may be welcomeThe so-called BRICS 'club' of nations 鈥� Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa 鈥� plan to start a development bank to rival the World Bank. This challenge to the Western-driven liberal order relies to a large part on that order.
What we can do about income inequalityA new Brookings Institution study points to a 'permanent' inequality of income in the US, mainly because workers haven't adapted to rapid technological change. Reducing this underclass starts with workers themselves.
In Cyprus rescue, EU steps on a basic freedomIn allowing Cyprus to impose capital controls, the EU violates one of its founding principles 鈥� the free flow of money (and goods) to help unite nations.
A model to end Washington gridlock: MexicoSince its political leaders signed a pact for national reform in December, Mexico has been on a roll. The country's suffering from self-inflicted gridlock was reason enough for consensus and change.
Typecasting 'AfPak'The West's clich茅s about Pakistan and Afghanistan don't match the signs of democratic progress or opposition to Islamic radicals like the Taliban.
Cyberattack on South Korea needs constructive world responseThe cyberattack on South Korea's banks and TV stations Wednesday should force a global effort to develop legal rules against cyberwarfare.
In Obama trip to Israel, clues of US redirectionPresident Obama's trip to Israel provides more clues about possible downsizing of the US role in the world. If true, the US must be clear to allies and friends.
Euro crisis: Why a Cyprus bailout must be seen as 'fair'As Europe tackles its latest euro crisis, a Cyprus bailout deal must follow the path of being perceived as 'fair.' A tax on small-time savers isn't seen that way.
Behind the historic shift in povertyA United Nations report on human development signals huge progress in reducing poverty. All the reasons for it may add up to a turnaround in attitudes among the poor about their future.
Sugary-drink bans and other fads: When pols try to nudge good behaviorNew approaches to altering personal behavior 鈥� such as banning soda, curbing gamblers, or raising alcohol prices 鈥� can fail without the bonds of community to back them.
