All The Monitor's View
Helping minority youths dream beyond sportsFormer President Obama and ex-NFL player Martellus Bennett are among those who want to lift stereotypes and limits off young black boys and men.
Ode to joy, and peace, in VenezuelaDueling concerts on either side of the border will highlight again the use of peaceful tactics by the country鈥檚 pro-democracy forces to oust a ruthless leader.
Trump meets his Magna CartaThe many challenges to his use of emergency powers for a border wall are also a challenge to the steady rise in presidential power 鈥� and to the definition of leadership as only one-person rule.
How Nigeria may raise the democratic barThe Feb. 16 presidential election shows a new maturity in having issue-based campaigns and less politicking based on personality, ethnicity, religion, or geography.
Restoring a high threshold for warIn trying to end the US role in Yemen鈥檚 war, Congress may finally be returning authority for war 鈥� and the protection of liberty 鈥� to itself.
A surprise lesson after the Parkland shootingsIn the year since the Florida school tragedy, the student activists had to learn not to see their policy opponents as 鈥榖ad people.鈥� This shift toward listening may help shape the gun debate.
Snowballing peace with North KoreaSouth Korea鈥檚 president can be credited for the small steps of peace leading up to the second US-North Korea summit. He may have created a virtuous circle of trust.
The harsh light on Iran鈥檚 Islamic RevolutionThe celebration of the revolution鈥檚 40th anniversary was not focused on its weakest link: arbitrary rule by an unelected cleric. Iranians prefer other models, based on equality and freedom.
A princess upends Thailand's old guardIn an election bid, the daughter of the late king sheds her royal rights and sends a signal about equality and individual sovereignty.
Measuring victory over Islamic StatePresident Trump鈥檚 plan to declare victory over the militant group鈥檚 last stronghold rests on only one type of victory needed to end the roots of terrorism.
A contest of butter vs. guns in VenezuelaThe military鈥檚 blockage of foreign aid should not be countered by outside force. Democracy鈥檚 future there depends on peaceful means to win over the armed forces.
Exit or grace for Virginia's governor?The case of Gov. Ralph Northam and his past racist acts should compel the political parties to explore ways of justice that bring healing for victims, society, and the perpetrator.
Why the pope was in Islam's heartlandHis trip is part of a larger attempt by 海角大神, Muslim, and Jewish leaders since 9/11 to define the common theological threads that can repel violence and protect religious minorities.
The best 鈥榳all鈥� against Central American migrationPresidential candidates who vow to curb corruption, like Nayib Bukele in El Salvador鈥檚 contest, reflect a rising citizen demand for clean government.
A leadership style that unites VenezuelaThe swift rise of a young and unknown politician, Juan Guaid贸, as interim president was as much a result of his own humility as of political forces. His style has united a splintered opposition.
Super Bowl鈥檚 halftime controversySome want to send a political message. Others just want to enjoy the sporting event and its entertainment. Civility on race issues can only help civil rights.
When anti-corruption protests succeedThe latest ranking of nations by corruption levels shows a link to levels of democracy. Popular demands for leaders with integrity are also demands for accountability and transparency.
A plank for peace in AfghanistanEven a tentative agreement on two points between the US and the Taliban can allow for more trust-building and for new ideas to emerge and help end a 17-year war.
A name change that changes EuropeGreece agrees that its neighbor can use the name Macedonia, ending a long dispute and adding to the peace growing in the Balkans.
A plug for the purpose-driven workerGillette鈥檚 recent ad about masculinity reflects a wider corporate desire to stand up for a cause as a way to earn the trust of workers demanding purpose in life.
