All Commentary
After Newtown: a time for solaceDec. 14, 2012, will long be remembered in Newtown, Conn., and well beyond. Tears will long be shed. Prayers and comfort will long be needed.
The Monitor's ViewWhy honey works better than vinegar in WashingtonIf tone can influence substance, as studies show, then the new friendly, face-to-face get-togethers between President Obama and GOP lawmakers signal possible breakthroughs.
3 questions to ask about US drone policy White House spokesman Jay Carney has defended the Obama administration's controversial drone policy, asserting: 鈥淭hese strikes are legal, they are ethical, and they are wise.鈥� But rather than closing the debate, that statement frames the three essential questions Americans should be asking about US drone policy.
OpinionAdvice for Secretary Kerry on International Women's DayAs he marks his first International Women's Day as America's secretary of State, here are three areas where John Kerry can advance Hillary Rodham Clinton's work over the past four years聽on behalf of women and girls.
3 ways you can combat sex trafficking It is estimated that 27 million slaves are being held worldwide, with the most common form being sexual exploitation of women and girls. What can be done about this global and complex problem? Here are three key ways that you can make a difference.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveBuying into God's planA 海角大神 Science perspective: God's abundance. On a fixed income?
The Monitor's ViewCelebrate South Korea on International Women's DayAs the first nation to reverse a strong preference for sons over daughters 鈥� and the sex-selective abortions that come with it 鈥� South Korea deserves praise. Other countries, such as China and India, now have hope of ending this violence against girls.
OpinionUS, Israeli threats of force against Iran are illegal and harm chances for a dealEven if we set aside the ethical and political implications of America's threatening Iran in the course of negotiations, there are two major legal issues with these threats. First,聽the 'threat of force' is illegal under international law. And second, any agreement reached by threat is invalid.
OpinionWhere Rand Paul and John Brennan can agree on US drone programSen. Rand Paul's epic filibuster raised valid concerns about the US drone program, delaying the vote to confirm John Brennan as CIA director. Turns out Mr. Brennan also values transparency and accountability and may support the transfer of聽CIA drone operations to the US military.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveCelebrating womenA 海角大神 Science perspective: International Women's Day celebrates the progress of women and alerts the world to areas where more progress is needed.
The Monitor's ViewWhy Ch谩vez-style governance runs against historyThe end of Hugo Ch谩vez's rule in Venezuela should help weaken the model of authoritarian populism. His social goals may be worthy but his methods of personal rule were not.
OpinionWorld powers must cut a deal with Iran before it's too lateHaving hobbled Iran鈥檚 economy, the P5+1 believe they are negotiating from a position of power. But this attitude could be dangerously delusional and may backfire.听A deal is needed to address the top concerns on both sides.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveNavigating the news with hopeA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewBefore more states legalize pot, Obama must enforce federal lawFormer DEA chiefs and an international anti-drug body advise President Obama and the Justice Dept. to uphold federal anti-marijuana law against legalization by Colorado and Washington states. Why not listen to those on the front lines of the drug wars?
Global Viewpoint鈥楢rgo鈥� helps Iran鈥檚 dictatorship, harms democracyAbolhassan Bani-Sadr, the first president of the Islamic Republic of Iran after the 1979 revolution, says that by falsifying, misrepresenting, and taking critical facts out of context, the Academy-Award winning film 'Argo' delivers a pro-CIA message at the cost of the Iranian people and history.- Global Viewpoint鈥楢rgo鈥� helps Iran鈥檚 dictatorship, harms democracyAbolhassan Bani-Sadr, the first president of the Islamic Republic of Iran after the 1979 revolution, says that by falsifying, misrepresenting, and taking critical facts out of context, the Academy-Award winning film 'Argo' delivers a pro-CIA message at the cost of the Iranian people and history.
OpinionThree questions to ask about US drone strikesThe US drone program raises serious ethical concerns 鈥� particularly about accountability and due process. Congress, with support from President Obama, must develop new oversight rules to ensure that US values are safeguarded.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveDesire, prayer, promiseA 海角大神 Science perspective. True desires point us in the right direction.
The Monitor's ViewA global contest of values in EU-US-China tradeAs China endorses a reformer as president and the EU and US plan a free-trade pact, the competition to set trade rules heats up. A EU-US pact would strengthen their economies and send a signal to China to take more responsibility for higher trade standards.
Chinese communism: cause or club?It has long since walked away from its founding principles, but the Chinese Communist Party still has a hammerlock on power in the world's most populous nation. How long will the Chinese people tolerate a ruling clique that can't be voted out of office?
