All The Monitor's View
Casting an eye on freedom in IranThis year鈥檚 Palme d鈥橭r award at the Cannes Film Festival put a spotlight on Iranians鈥� aspirations, artistry, and fierce independence of thought in confronting a repressive government.
Why the thanks for German tanksTiny Lithuania on the Russian border welcomed the聽first permanent deployment of German forces on foreign soil since World War II.聽Germany welcomed the gratitude for its transformation into a trusted leader of Europe.
Montana puts 鈥榬ed鈥� and 鈥榖lue鈥� values in housingIn the state with the least affordable homes, lawmakers and citizens of different ideologies unite on reforms to lower prices, setting a model for nonpartisan solutions.
Syria鈥檚 path of justice and mercyConcern over the country splitting apart may be headed off by an attempt at national reconciliation through two commissions probing past atrocities.
Compassion tempers a war鈥檚 impactA civil war in Sudan has triggered community-led support for people displaced by fighting. This civilian response is rooted in a tradition of Islamic spiritual struggle and a 鈥渃all to mobilize.鈥�
In Romania, clean politics clean upA surprise win for a graft-fighting candidate to be the next president shows the top priority of young Romanians. All the better to fend off Russian influence.
Why Japan, South Korea inch closerWill their troops work together to save democracy in Asia? Perhaps. Meanwhile, an election in South Korea reveals a shift toward reconciliation.
Latin America鈥檚 model of modest leadershipThe region鈥檚 response to the death of a beloved former president in Uruguay underscores how that nation鈥檚 values have inspired democratic norms across the Americas.
Sovereignty for Colombia鈥檚 Indigenous peopleBy granting autonomy to Indigenous groups, the government promotes peace and protects the environment.
In Norway, more voices, better solutionsWith a rise of distrust in government, a national panel of everyday people shows how civil listening can find a consensus on values for decisions on difficult issues.
A win for peaceful accord in TurkeyThe country鈥檚 main Kurdish separatist group is disbanding and laying down arms 鈥� initiating a process that could both strengthen and test democracy in Turkey.
The inviting geniality of a front porchA large exhibit on how Americans use the porch serves as a reminder of how this public-private space can foster dialogue and neighborliness.
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.
