All The Monitor's View
A vote for safety in Latin AmericaBy forcing a run-off presidential election, citizens in Ecuador urge their leaders to quell violence by strengthening democratic principles and individual rights.
The drivers of AI鈥檚 futureHanging over a global summit on artificial intelligence was a reminder from Chinese company DeepSeek of the qualities that inspire AI researchers.
A youthful force for peace in AfricaA violent conflict over minerals and ethnicity in Congo is up against progress based on a goal to meet the needs of Africa鈥檚 demographic bulge.
When dignity, not labels, defines a peopleIraq鈥檚 first census in decades did not reduce citizens to stereotypes of sect or ethnicity. All the better to avoid wars driven by identity politics.
Move over, 鈥楬arry Potter.鈥� Teens flock to the Bible.Sales of the Bible far surpassed those of other books last year, especially among young people, hinting at an 鈥渙penness鈥� to spiritual solutions.
LA鈥檚 postfire community spiritOther places hit by wildfires advise Los Angeles to rebuild public spaces that capture the generosity and bonds felt among neighbors.
Flipping the script on Trump鈥檚 deportationsGuatemala鈥檚 plan to welcome deportees as assets because of skills acquired in the United States may help alter narratives about migration.
Mirthful mingling in SyriaA newly liberated people are embracing their diversity in comedy clubs and marketplaces, sending a message to their de facto leader, a former Islamist rebel.
Sports as sprouts amid strifeFor residents of Gaza and women in Afghanistan, a revival of athletics lays the seeds for joy as a people.
Protests as prototypes in SerbiaSome of Europe鈥檚 largest ongoing demonstrations 鈥� against a corrupt autocracy in Serbia 鈥� have evolved from anger to being a model of a new society.
A vital rejig of the rules of warNations join with the international Red Cross to find new ways to protect the innocent in conflicts where the Geneva Conventions are ignored or misread.
An identity that upends dictatorsLike Ukrainians, the people of Belarus unite around a shared civic and cultural identity to defy a Russia-allied ruler.
A migrant debate cuts across the AmericasAs the region flares up over U.S. deportations and similar issues, the debate also points to the ideals at stake.
An Oscar for a fire-singed HollywoodThe movie industry plans to help Los Angeles recover from wildfires with a spotlight on creative inspiration.
Qatar鈥檚 pull with powers and pariahsThe small Gulf nation鈥檚 mediating role in the Israel-Hamas agreement earns gratitude from both sides, a reflection of Qatar鈥檚 focus on patience and empathy.
Of mercy and grievanceAs one U.S. president handed power to another, their acts of clemency also invited some to seek reconciliation through contrition.
Infinite innovation and finite politicsThe change in the White House may bring different approaches to technology and productivity, but every American president taps into a bottomless well of new scientific ideas.
Equality on the sidelinesTwo historically Black universities turn their football programs into opportunities to promote the excellence that is innate.
Hearing Afghan womenShifts in regional diplomacy toward the Taliban in Afghanistan reinforce that stability is only possible through equality.
Deference as defense of lawIn closing two legal cases against an incoming U.S. president, a judge and special counsel uphold constitutional norms and the virtues of voters and juries.
