All The Monitor's View
For Germany, all hangs on innovationSunday鈥檚 election gave a boost to parties seeking to end a long recession by unleashing the economy for digitization and other reforms.
A new global center for clean governmentOnce a leader in tackling bribery and other corruption worldwide, the U.S. may be ceding that role to Europe.
Dancing to freedom in IranRecent videos of a famed female dissident dancing in prison reveal a mental liberation from repression.
Appeals to conscience in DamascusA newly liberated Syria brings back activists who long relied on nonviolent tactics in hopes of building a democracy.
Gaza鈥檚 destiny, chosen by its peopleAs big powers plot the territory鈥檚 future, a survey in Gaza points to possible religious dialogue.
Europe鈥檚 moment for self-governanceAmerican pressure and the prospects for talks over Ukraine force the continent to rethink the link between its values and its security.
Digital scouts for honest governanceA bright spot in anti-corruption efforts lies in giving citizens online access to government actions, relying on their desire for trusted leaders.
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.
