All Commentary
The Monitor's ViewBehind the historic shift in povertyA United Nations report on human development signals huge progress in reducing poverty. All the reasons for it may add up to a turnaround in attitudes among the poor about their future.
OpinionReactions to Steubenville, Ohio and India gang rapes show India isn't so 'backward'Indian reaction to the New Delhi gang rape is in many ways more promising than American reactions to US rapes. Take the Steubenville, Ohio, case, which hasn't generated the same public outrage as the case in India. Indian protesters' calls for justice are a heartening sign of progress.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveDust, fans, and climate changeA 海角大神 Science perspective: Why hope can replace discouragement in the effort to find solutions to climate change.
The Monitor's ViewSugary-drink bans and other fads: When pols try to nudge good behaviorNew approaches to altering personal behavior 鈥� such as banning soda, curbing gamblers, or raising alcohol prices 鈥� can fail without the bonds of community to back them.
OpinionArctic oil drilling needs better federal regulationThe federal review released today that discusses the failures that plagued last year's Arctic oil-drilling operations is a welcome first step. But only by strengthening federal regulation of these operations can President Obama show a commitment to responsible Arctic Ocean development.
OpinionIn Libya, Islam 鈥� and a purple hijab 鈥� help spurn domestic violence against womenIn newly liberated Libya, our women's rights group tried to address domestic violence by using proven international ways to raise awareness. But people threw away our fliers. Then we started Purple Hijab Day to spread the word that Islam condemns such violence. We're seeing results.
OpinionObama must push 鈥� not just praise 鈥撀燡ordan's efforts at democratic reformAhead of his trip to Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan, President Obama should remember:聽The only way for the US to maintain Jordan as a stable ally in the long term is to prod King Abdullah toward more meaningful reform that meets the rising expectations of Jordan鈥檚 citizens.听- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveAs Catholics worldwide welcome Pope FrancisA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewRecalculating the privacy debate after Google Maps penaltyGoogle's string of privacy invasions reveals a need to rethink privacy and end a piecemeal, reactive approach. Asserting privacy as an asset would help.
OpinionProposals to ban purchase of sugary drink with food stamps won't workThe same flaws that caused a New York judge to overturn Mayor Bloomberg's ban on big sugary drinks are inherent in proposals to ban the purchase of sugary drinks using food stamps.听Such bans are unlikely to help fight obesity and can do substantial damage to the safety net.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveLincoln and a lesson in libertyA 海角大神 Science perspective: The movie "Lincoln" provides some insights on the slavery we fight today.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Why suicide rate fell in Japan; Gun ownership for self-defense is based on fearLetters to the Editor for the March 11, 2013 weekly print issue:聽It is the young people of Japan who really deserve the credit for a decrease in suicides 鈥� not the government; Large numbers of citizens carrying a gun for聽self-defense shifts America from the 'land of the free, home of the brave' to 'land of the restricted, home of the fearful.'
The Monitor's ViewIllinois and Greece as penitent cookers of booksThe SEC exposes Illinois's misleading reports on pensions while Greece cleans up its financial data to help end the euro crisis. Clean accounting, like light on a dark street, helps eliminate financial deceit.
Global ViewpointWhy the US will fare better than Europe in economic recoveryIn an interview, the former president of Chile, Ricardo Lagos, says that today鈥檚 global financial crisis is聽mainly a political failure rather than an economic one. The US will probably do much better in its financial recovery because its central bank, unlike Europe鈥檚, has the powers it needs.- Global ViewpointWhy the US will fare better than Europe in economic recoveryIn an interview, the former president of Chile, Ricardo Lagos, says that today鈥檚 global financial crisis is聽mainly a political failure rather than an economic one. The US will probably do much better in its financial recovery because its central bank, unlike Europe鈥檚, has the powers it needs.
OpinionKey signs that Al Qaeda's Islamic extremism is moving into southern AfricaA surge of sectarian strife and Al Qaeda-linked terrorism in Tanzania signals that Africa's jihadist wave is expanding south. The failure of the international community to assist Tanzania in tackling the roots of Islamic extremism will likely allow it to grow.听- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveWhen humor hurtsA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewKenya's merit badge for citizenshipFor all its flaws and risky outcome, Kenya's presidential election reveals a shift from tribal identities toward a better civic-mindedness. Voters did not want a repeat of the tribal violence after the 2007 election.
OpinionWhy America isn't the only country that wants guns for self-defenseThe appeal of guns for personal protection is hardly unique to America. Consider gun ownership in South Africa, Britain, India, and Mexico. All these societies are dealing with inequality exacerbated by economic austerity and eroding public services, which breeds fear about insecurity.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveTears that will bring good to NewtownA 海角大神 Science perspective.
