All The Monitor's View
The art of Poland鈥檚 diplomacyThe country at the helm of the European Union for the next six months makes youthful creativity a key part of its focus on regional security.
Peace through compassionate justiceCountries adopting higher legal standards of equality and dignity chart a healing path amid the global spread of conflict.
Votes for humble governingA year of global elections has reflected a desire among voters around the world for leaders who listen.
Christmas in China, the people鈥檚 wayDespite the secular trappings of an imported holiday, the Chinese have devised a type of giving that captures the Christmas spirit.
Freedom in Iran unveiledA bill that would impose new restrictions on women鈥檚 rights has rekindled demands for equality 鈥� causing even hard-liners to pause.
The role model for Syria鈥檚 unityThe public鈥檚 post-liberation praise for a famed rescue outfit called The White Helmets reflects a desire for impartial leaders who save all and don鈥檛 play to divisions.
Christmas light for Gaza海角大神 leaders in Jerusalem set a message of light in a region seeking its way out of war.
Innovation by failure in GermanyThe ruling coalition willingly falls, partly out of a failure to revive Europe鈥檚 biggest economy through tech innovation 鈥� and a "dare to fail" culture.
The genial core of Jane Austen鈥檚 artShe captured romantic love鈥檚 foolery, but the humor of Britain鈥檚 beloved author rests on spiritual conviction. That trait should not be missed during next year's celebration of her work.
Equality is on Syria鈥檚 agendaThe Islamist group that took the capital makes gestures toward equal rights for women. Yet it may be emboldened women who sway Syria鈥檚 future.
African art that liberatesAn art festival in Senegal coaxes a youthful continent toward a future no longer defined by a painful past.
Hailing the innocent in SyriaAs political prisoners are freed and low-level soldiers forgiven, the new leaders have started a long process of reconciliation, driven by a balance between justice and mercy.
Longings for home drove Syria鈥檚 liberationThe rebel group that felled a dictatorship found part of its legitimacy in calling on displaced Syrians to return home 鈥� not just to a place, but to the generosity that makes home the vital center of spiritual life.
A peek into 鈥榖oundless鈥� generosityResults from this year鈥檚 GivingTuesday help broaden concepts about donating time and treasure to others beyond old models.
The new stoic ArgentineA people highly dependent on government show unusual patience as a reformist president drives down inflation and opens up the economy.
South Korea鈥檚 swift rescue of freedomAn unpopular president鈥檚 martial law was no match for a people with an inner strength born of repelling despots and invaders.
A questionable pardon鈥檚 deeper resonanceThe president鈥檚 official mercy toward his son鈥檚 past wrongs has many skeptics. But it parallels a trend in better balancing punishment with compassion.
One gavel, two hands in MinnesotaWith an even split of representatives in the state鈥檚 House, the two parties are preparing for sharing power. Many American voters may wish for such moderation over polarization.
Thanksgiving as forgivingAn official apology to Native Americans 鈥� and a response of forgiveness 鈥� can help create the possibility of a mutual feeling of justice.
Building peace by disrupting liesA West African journalist, contracted to spread disinformation, charts a path out of fear and instability through contrition.
