All The Monitor's View
Syria reweaves its identityCivic groups like the White Helmets are using acts of equality and kindness to overcome ethnic and religious tensions built up during a half-century of dictatorship
Why 海角大神 shows are so popularEven nonreligious people find spiritual value in faith-based fare like 鈥淭he Chosen.鈥�
The joy of a letter. Maybe not in Denmark.The trendsetting Scandinavian nation plans to end four centuries of universal letter delivery. Other countries are watching this social experiment.
Europe鈥檚 new watchfulnessTo defend the European Union鈥檚 values and economy, its leaders are learning from Finland that security must come first.
The art of freedom in IranA U.N. report on atrocities after the 2022 protests comes as Iran鈥檚 ruling clerics finally realize that the people, especially women, still find ways to express dignity and equality.
A refresh for foreign aidCuts in foreign aid by Europe and the U.S. are forcing recipient nations to question a dependency mentality and discover local solutions.
Armenia redefines peace as withinA draft peace agreement with longtime foe Azerbaijan comes alongside a campaign for Armenians to reflect on an identity higher than ethnicity.
The hard knocks of rocketryA string of failures in space exploration is a lesson in the lessening of limitations.
A burst of justice in the PhilippinesA country still scoring low in rule of law marks another success by handing over a former president to an international court for alleged crimes against humanity.
Listen up, wise up: Forums that inspire trustNew types of civic spaces for civil dialogue, such as citizen assemblies, are showing promise in 鈥渂ringing to light a truth.鈥�
In Gaza plan, Arabs recast the futureAs the U.S. shifts its role in the world, the Mideast finds some strength to design peace for endless conflicts.
Germany jumps mental hurdlesNew leaders plan to break taboos on military spending and fiscal restraint. One reason that made this possible: the country鈥檚 hard work for postwar reconciliation.
The beauty in arguing over baseball umpiresThe major leagues are testing robots to call balls and strikes, prompting deeper questions about the irreplaceable values of human excellence.
Redefining security in a hostile worldAs big powers grow aggressive, Taiwan and Ukraine find defense can be more than bombs and bullets
When nations live by integrityA global body that sets norms for honesty and transparency in trade and finance has lately helped nations curb 鈥渄irty money鈥� and boost their economies.
Drawing peace in SudanAmid an ongoing civil war, education for displaced children shows how societies in conflict preserve normalcy through dignity.
A defeat for terrorism in the MideastThe founder of a Kurdish armed insurgency calls for his fighters to disarm and dissolve, reflecting a trend against terrorism in the Mideast and for democracy.
Why this basketball star shines onFor Diana Taurasi, her incredible success on the court came from an attitude of calm confidence and a love of others, helping draw new fans to women鈥檚 basketball.
Wit and light win the day against ChinaIn its showdown over offshore territory, the Philippines deploys transparency and comic books rather than a 鈥減rism of fear鈥� to isolate China.
Syria鈥檚 path to innocenceThe Arab country鈥檚 new leaders join citizens and civil society organizations in establishing justice on a basis of forgiveness.
