All Commentary
The Monitor's ViewHere's a conversation starter for ThanksgivingA campaign called Giving Tuesday rolls into its second successful year to curb the commercialism of the Thanksgiving holiday season with a day of generosity. It would make Ben Franklin smile.- A 海角大神 Science Perspective'An infectious love for the Scriptures'A 海角大神 Science perspective: One goal of Bible study is simply to know God more, to feel His presence.
The Monitor's ViewChina reforms can't stop at water's edgeThe Chinese military's provocative moves on Japan-controlled islands do not match the spirit of reform in the Communist Party's recent plenum. Wiser heads in China need to ensure the country's peaceful rise as a power.
OpinionWhy Netanyahu is wrong about Iran nuclear dealIsrael's Benjamin Netanyahu warns that the nuclear deal with Iran increases Iran鈥檚 chances of building nuclear weapons. He鈥檚 exactly wrong: With this deal in place, it will be much harder for Iranian hardliners to make the case that Iran should tear up its agreements and build a bomb.
The real social network: kindnessHumanity's age-old social network, which we benefit from and which we extend to others, is fueled by kindness. Researchers now believe that kindness is a powerful, self-reinforcing force.
Spy world: The cost of digging too deepSpying has a long a colorful history. It has been amped up to extraordinary levels today by the National Security Agency and other super-secret operations. But there's a price for all that capability.
Warriors with lasting legaciesThey were soldiers once and young. Now they have gray in their hair and are returning to Vietnam to help that country -- and themselves.
OpinionIran nuclear deal: Just a piece of paper for nowWorld powers have reached a historic six-month nuclear with Iran, but not everyone is cheering. Just as the 'anti-deal' crowd is wrong to burn diplomacy in the womb,聽so too is the 'pro-deal' crowd wrong to crow with gleeful triumphalism.聽The only sensible reaction: hopeful but healthy scrutiny.- Readers RespondReaders Write: Fracking threatens public safety; Industry can't be trustedLetters to the Editor for the November 25, 2013 weekly magazine:聽Fractured shale provides minimal filtration, so contaminants can travel more easily and quickly. Putting chemicals in water and shooting it into the ground isn't a good idea.Some make the case that government is doing a good job regulating the oil and gas industry on fracking. If companies really were trustworthy, they would have been self-regulating.
- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveLove for the 'Lost Boys' of SudanA 海角大神 Science perspective: Reflections on visits to Sudanese refugee camps.
The Monitor's ViewThe Iran nuclear deal's test of motivesThe temporary agreement on Iran's nuclear program is merely an initial test of good intentions on both sides. For Iran, it will ultimately be a test of whether it wants to be a player for peace.
OpinionMorocco's suppression of Western Sahara could fuel regional instabilityKing Mohammed VI is seeking US backing for Morocco鈥檚 claim to the disputed territory of Western Sahara where the Sahrawi people await a vote on independence. Suppressing this option for the Sahrawis could push younger generations to violence, further destabilizing North Africa.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveAsking the right question if tragedy strikesA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewUS-Afghanistan alliance will be more than shared interestsAs Afghan leaders debate a draft security agreement with the United States, the two nations must recognize they are balancing more than each one's interests. After 12 years of war and joint efforts, the two are now bound up in common purpose.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveOut of the fog of doubtA 海角大神 Science perspective: Like headlights piercing through a thick fog, something good and worthwhile began to beam into this writer's thought.
The Monitor's ViewNew Jersey's dicey launch of Internet gamblingOn Nov. 26, New Jersey will become the third 鈥� and by far the most populous 鈥� state to allow online gambling for money within its borders. Before more states follow suit, the US must rethink this dubious race to make gambling so easy.
OpinionUS must pressure African governments for access to Kony's LRA safe havensWith the help of US military advisers, African forces have made progress in the push to apprehend Joseph Kony and his Lord鈥檚 Resistance Army, but challenges remain. The US, UN, and African Union must pressure the region's governments to allow access to LRA safe havens.
OpinionMake no mistake, America: Sanctions didn't force Iran into nuclear talksAs the third round of talks on Iran's nuclear program begins in Geneva, the US must realize it was the election of Hassan Rouhani, not sanctions alone, that brought Iran to the negotiating table. Continuing sanctions will undermine the new government's efforts for a peace deal.- A 海角大神 Science Perspective'Don't take it personally'A 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewHelp teens erase their web indiscretionsMany teens may come to regret a photo on social media or other internet postings. But a new California law, which requires websites to let teens 'erase' their digital past, may be catching on in other states.
