All The Monitor's View
Women鈥檚 freedom to ride 鈥� and provideIn more countries, women are driving motorbikes, breaking social restrictions while helping other women find safe rides. They are finding new abilities and inner freedom as they support themselves and their families.
Syrians learn to bend and blendBouts of religious violence since December鈥檚 liberation from a dictator have not halted a historic desire for an inclusive society. 鈥淲e learn together and we empower each other,鈥� one minister explained.
The meekness behind human 鈥榝lourishing鈥�A global survey by two American universities finds a link between a satisfying life and spiritual well-being. People in less-wealthy nations rank particularly high because of their regular religious engagement.
Origins of Ukraine鈥檚 drone creativityIn a military milestone, a Ukrainian drone downed a Russian war jet. The source of the country鈥檚 culture of tech innovation is now a model.
Why water feuds seldom dissolve accordsDespite recent contention over fresh-water resources between countries, the global record is one of collaboration and shared oversight.
Where all tourists can be goodAs more cities rise up against an increasing number of 鈥渂ad tourists,鈥� places like Copenhagen find success in rewarding visitors for the ethical behavior they seek.
A Baltic beacon for freedom in EuropeEstonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are ahead of other European nations in boosting security safeguards. They learned from Soviet rule how to hold on to democratic ideals.
Why Europe doesn鈥檛 waste a crisisEach challenge, such as American tariffs or U.S. skimping on security, has tested the mettle of the continent in mending its tensions and living up to its values.
How integrity drives Sri Lanka鈥檚 reformsA public pursuit of better governance, as well as conditions set by an international lender, helps roll back an era of corruption.
Hugs of mercy in a Texas courtroomAfter a plea of guilty and his sentencing, a mass shooter receives acts of forgiveness from family members of victims. It was both healing and civilizing.
Kenya embraces refugees as partnersA new plan that integrates more than 800,000 refugees sees them as contributors, not burdens, to society.
In postwar Ethiopia, a stand on higher groundA potential for renewed war in Tigray state was averted after two former foes 鈥� the prime minister and a Tigrayan general 鈥� helped rebalance a peace deal that ended the deadly 2020-2022 war.
The climate legacy of a pope and a patriarchThe death of Pope Francis and an award for the Orthodox church leader bring praise for the holy men鈥檚 promotion of a spiritual dimension to climate issues.
Europe鈥檚 grassroots anti-graft driveAnti-corruption protesters in Serbia finally push the European Union to tackle a problem across the continent.
Why Iraq gives Syria a handBy welcoming Syria鈥檚 new leader 鈥� a former Al Qaeda terrorist 鈥� Iraq shows a generosity born of its own violent past to lift a neighbor emerging from conflict.
The art of emancipation in ParisAn exhibit at the聽Centre Pompidou聽displays the creativity of Black artists from Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States, who flocked to the French capital after 1945 for mental liberation from stereotypes.
Lebanon digs deep for its identityTorn by war and a once-dominant Hezbollah militia, the country looks to shared culture and other bonding ways to heal sectarian divides.
How social trust propels Ivory CoastBetter cohesion among a diverse population has helped Ivory Coast become a model in economic progress. Now it may do the same in politics if a new generation takes over.
Why Iran and US need OmanThe wisdom of Oman as a patient, listening go-between will be essential for negotiating a new deal over Iran鈥檚 nuclear program and its proxy militias.
In tariff tiffs, the art of compromiseEurope鈥檚 calm and measured response to the Trump tariffs takes the long view and relies on patient deliberation.
