All Commentary
OpinionPakistan's release of Taliban prisoners 鈥� an empty dealAt the request of Afghan officials, Pakistan has reportedly released almost 40 Taliban combatants, supposedly to help spur peace negotiations. But experience shows this is wishful thinking. These prisoner releases give the Taliban something they want, while providing nothing in return.
OpinionDon't sacrifice Afghan women for a deal with the TalibanAfghan聽women聽are concerned that,聽as the withdrawal of US troops nears, their gains of the last 12 years will be sacrificed in a peace deal with the Taliban, or that they will simply be forgotten. The international community, particularly the US and Europe, must not let this happen.
The Monitor's ViewA Philippines at the ready for typhoonsAs the toll mounts in the Philippines after super-typhoon Haiyan, the country can start to adapt better resiliency in preparation for its many natural disasters.- Readers RespondReaders Write: Less population growth means more water; More to 'Heart of Darkness'; Partisanship kills progressLetters to the Editor for the November 11, 2013 weekly print magazine:The Middle East's population boom will exacerbate the regions' upcoming water shortage. Why aren't more environmentalists recommending that these countries work to reduce fertility rates?Joseph Conrad's novel 'Heart of Darkness' is much more complex than 'the enemy as Other.' It can even be read with that feeling of 'We have met the enemy and he is us.'Excess partisanship is deadly to sensible progress in legislation. Does this phenomenon not explain why those who seek compromise have essentially been excoriated by Congress?
OpinionThe world must not turn a blind eye to Syria's struggling familiesOne-third of Syria鈥檚 population has been displaced, and more than 2 million refugees have fled to neighboring countries. Syria's civil war has affected millions more people than the Indian Ocean tsunami or聽Haiti earthquake, but aid to Syria pales in comparison. The world must step up.
As Nigeria battles Islamist Boko Haram, an imam and pastor spread toleranceIn Nigeria, where the Islamist militant group Boko Haram is sowing terror, an imam and a pastor team up to preach religious tolerance. The two men are former leaders of militias that once battled each other. Then they discovered forgiveness. Now,聽their story is a tool of persuasion.- As Nigeria battles Islamist Boko Haram, an imam and pastor spread toleranceIn Nigeria, where the Islamist militant group Boko Haram is sowing terror, an imam and a pastor team up to preach religious tolerance. The two men are former leaders of militias that once battled each other. Then they discovered forgiveness. Now,聽their story is a tool of persuasion.
- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveA hug from a Vietnam vetA 海角大神 Science perspective: A US Army chaplain reflects on a tender moment in her career.
The Monitor's ViewCongo and Colombia thread a peace needleRebels groups in Congo and Colombia each declared this week they would lay down their arms. But the hard part now is deciding what punishment 鈥� or mercy 鈥� they deserve.
OpinionJFK's call for religious freedom can transform places like PakistanOn the anniversary of JFK's assassination, the world should heed his call for religious freedom. It is the best way to counter religious extremism in places such as Pakistan, where the Taliban has chosen a new leader, as it compels聽intolerant forms of religion to face competing beliefs.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveThe creatures of God's creatingA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewChina's need for golden-rule economic reformsWhen China's Communist Party leaders meet Nov. 9-12, they are expected to adopt major economic reforms. One reason for hope: China is more dependent on the world. Economic nationalism must fade.
OpinionMcAuliffe and Christie victories can't be read as a sign of things to comeVirginia Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe's victory in yesterday's election does not mean that strong conservatives like his opponent Ken Cuccinelli are doomed in competitive races. And Governor Chris Christie鈥檚 re-election in New Jersey doesn't guarantee that he will be in the White House.
Immigration reform: the politics of the possibleWinning over House Republicans based on Senate pressure and worry over the Latino vote won鈥檛 work. The case for reform must be argued on its merits.- Immigration reform: the politics of the possibleWinning over House Republicans based on Senate pressure and worry over the Latino vote won鈥檛 work. The case for reform must be argued on its merits.
- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveFrom medical work to a different pathA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewIndia's giant-leap mission to MarsIndia's launch on Tuesday of its first spacecraft to Mars might seem like a waste for a country so poor. Yet the mission speaks well of India's earthly concerns and universal dreams.
A view from Texas: Regular people work together. Why can't Congress?To hear聽Congress tell it, their constituents are demanding they take extreme positions and not compromise. But聽as I see it from Dallas, Texas, where I鈥檓 a blue liberal in a sea of red, regular working people have no problem cooperating with those who hold opposing views.- A view from Texas: Regular people work together. Why can't Congress?To hear聽Congress tell it, their constituents are demanding they take extreme positions and not compromise. But聽as I see it from Dallas, Texas, where I鈥檓 a blue liberal in a sea of red, regular working people have no problem cooperating with those who hold opposing views.
OpinionLatino voters in Nov. 5 elections could push House to pass immigration reformRepublicans are learning: Latino voters are a rising force to be reckoned with. High turnout of Latino voters at state and local elections today will increase pressure on the House GOP to pass comprehensive immigration reform.
