All The Monitor's View
After a long war, Colombia embraces peace at the ballot boxThe election of a new president after a 2016 peace pact was marked with historic firsts that can help reconcile Colombians.
In immigrant detention, a role for childrenBeneath the moral debate over Trump鈥檚 actions on the children of detained immigrants lies a potential to see their innocence as common ground.
The high court鈥檚 hint on partisan gerrymanderingIndividual voters must first show how such party-driven redistricting harms them, the justices ruled, which calls for voters themselves to cooperate in this very partisan age to end the practice.
Clues of peace in AfghanistanA declared cease-fire by each side, a peace march, and other steps hint that both the Taliban and the government are reacting to a new public mood for a political settlement.
A model of peace to help end Yemen鈥檚 warAmid the country鈥檚 fighting and humanitarian crisis, one province has become both a sanctuary and an example of what a peaceful Yemen could look like.
Why Russians may bare their teeth at the World CupAs host to the soccer tournament, Russia hopes to not only spruce up its image but teach new habits to its people, such as smiling in public. Mega sporting events have a way of universalizing the best in humanity.
A summit that may pop fear in North KoreaNorth Koreans saw their leader meeting an archenemy and touting the glories of Singapore鈥檚 economy. Kim Jong-un might have unleashed expectations that his dictatorship cannot control.
The source of Jordan鈥檚 river of discontentA week of protests has rattled both the Hashemite kingdom and the Middle East, in large part because young people focused on an Arab style of favoritism in government and business. A cultural shift against 鈥榳asta鈥� may have begun.
The power of truth-telling about VenezuelaAfter a sham election in Venezuela, most Latin American nations vote to declare the Maduro regime illegitimate. Their moral courage may translate into bolder steps for a solution.
Advice from the ants about grasshopper companiesA major business group calls for executives to practice more patience toward a company鈥檚 long-term value and ignore 鈥榪uarterly capitalism.鈥�
Why North Korea may be primed for a dealFew other countries carry such a heavy burden in military spending. Perhaps Kim Jong-un wants to join a global trend in curbing costs on armed personnel and weapons.
The high court鈥檚 ruling against anti-religion biasThe Supreme Court avoided a ruling on gay rights in order to first deal with a Colorado commission鈥檚 antipathy toward the religious views of a baker who discriminated against a same-sex couple. Motives do matter.
Mexico鈥檚 big moment 鈥� and one for the US, tooThe July 1 election in Mexico may result in a rejection of the political status quo 鈥� which calls for the US not to upset this special relationship.
Spain鈥檚 grand example for EuropeRising public demands for honest governance were behind Friday鈥檚 unprecedented ouster of a Spanish prime minister. A new leader must now follow up with more accountability and transparency.
The other nuclear powers that need attentionBeyond Iran and North Korea, the nuclear-armed rivals of India and Pakistan need help to prevent a war. A cease-fire in disputed Kashmir shows progress, but a deeper reconciliation, especially an understanding in their shared history, is needed.
For Italy, all roads lead to EU values聽A global financial panic triggered by Italy鈥檚 political standoff sends a signal about the qualities needed to ensure stability and prosperity.
Saudi Arabia鈥檚 struggle to define national identityEven as it allows women to drive, the regime arrests those who championed such reform. The contradiction reflects a deeper need for a unifying identity based on universal civic values.
Europe gets a grip on graftEven as the EU sets a new standard on digital privacy, it is playing catch-up with the US in preventing bribery of its firms overseas. Together, the US and EU can raise anti-corruption standards.
A new unity on solutions for climate changeBoth parties in Congress now support incentives for capturing carbon emissions from oil, gas, and coal. The political shift from a divisive debate is welcome.
The deft broker behind plans for a Trump-Kim summitOver the past year, South Korea鈥檚 new president has used praise, warmth, and humility to bring out the best in the American and North Korean leaders.
