All The Monitor's View
Taiwan鈥檚 soft-power sovereignty from ChinaA fair election not only bolsters the island鈥檚 independence from China, it reinforces President Tsai鈥檚 drive to tap Taiwan鈥檚 freedoms for industrial innovation.
Missiles, lies, and contrition. Has Iran changed?The regime鈥檚 owning up to shooting down a civilian plane after denying its role hints at a new introspection and humility, even if forced.
Sudan races for peace, then democracyAn incomplete democratic revolution has wisely focused on talks to end armed movements to unite Africa鈥檚 third-largest country.
Congress can lead on both war and peaceAfter the war scare with Iran, lawmakers can show more leadership in directing a president on war powers.
One cure for escalating US-Iran violenceBoth countries already have many restraints to prevent major conflict, but Iraqis are setting an example: a movement to end revenge violence.
Taiwan takes a sobering lesson from Hong KongAs elections loom on Taiwan, the struggle in Hong Kong to keep democracy alive聽is making Taiwan skeptical of聽a 鈥渙ne country, two systems鈥� deal聽of its own聽with China.
What the chief justice must doSupreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts has made a point of defending the independence and impartiality of the nation鈥檚 highest court. That stand will be tested when he presides at the Trump impeachment trial.
Does Dry January signal a shift on alcohol?Despite its good intentions, Prohibition failed to impose sobriety on the public. But popular movements such as Dry January and Sober Curious now encourage individuals to experience the benefits of an alcohol-free life for themselves.
Where Republicans and Democrats work together to 鈥榝ix Congress鈥�An under-the-radar select committee recommends practical changes that can improve the way government work.
2020 and human progressThe bad news of the past year and decade can hide wonderful examples of better lives for people around the world. Rather than debate the pluses and minuses of the past, why not jump in now on the side of hope?
Hello, who鈥檚 there? Maybe fewer scammers.A rare piece of bipartisan legislation recently passed by Congress promises to get tougher on annoying and harmful robocalls. But continuing to just say no to answering them will still be the last line of defense.
Keeping homeless people in mental viewThe Christmas season offers a time to remember those who have no home to go home to.
Helping college students avoid money woesHigh schools and parents often fail to teach basic financial literacy. But a student鈥檚 life during and after college can hinge on learning important planning skills.
The cost of winning at all costsA doping scandal means Russia鈥檚 teams and flag will be banned from international sports competition for years to come. Will it shame the country into making real reforms?
The arc of post-prison forgivenessKentucky鈥檚 move to restore voting rights for many former prisoners reflects a deeper reform in criminal justice.
Middle East starts to clean houseIn countries with mass protests, early successes include convictions on corruption even before democratic reforms. Demands for honest governance are as strong as those for democracy.
Brexit and other fixes in globalizationThe Conservative victory in Britain is just the latest course correction for several trade deals, or a necessary reform to heal those hurt by the flow of goods, people, money, and information across borders.
All for one in Europe鈥檚 climate planA bold proposal for carbon cuts by the European Commission also comes with plans to share the burden fairly. The fair part may be as important as the carbon targets.
When peace prize laureates falterTwo recent Nobel winners are under fire, only highlighting an era in which concepts of leadership are shifting.
Ukraine's real power with RussiaThe first peace talks in three years showed how much Russia is weakening as Ukraine鈥檚 recent progress gives it increasing strength to resist Moscow鈥檚 influence.
