All Commentary
What rulers overlookFrom the Pharaoh's day to the present, rulers have grabbed power and established their authority. But all dynasties crumble unless they understand that power is provisional -- and that even the powerless must have a say.- Readers RespondReaders Write: Flawed logic in 'giving up guns'; Killing is barbaric 鈥� with guns or notLetters to the Editor for the February 11, 2012 weekly print issue:聽I'd rather have a gun and never need to use it than desperately need to use one and not have it.聽Findley says that he is giving up his guns, but will continue to hunt using other weapons. Is he not just continuing the barbarity?
- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveThe new normalA 海角大神 Science perspective: Finding a stable foundation in a world that is continually rocked.
The Monitor's ViewObama's hidden nonplan to arm rebels in SyriaNews that Obama vetoed a plan by his senior security staff to arm Syrian rebels reveals the extent of his humanitarian impulse. But he must also protect the new UN doctrine of a 'responsibility to protect' by being more open about his Syrian strategy.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveAn understanding of God helps alleviate sufferingA 海角大神 Science perspective: While in college and considering herself an atheist, this writer had a healing through prayer that changed her life.
OpinionUS can slow climate change with new carbon-capture technologyNew innovations show that we can slow climate change. For instance, an artificial tree mimics the photosynthesis of real trees by chemically sucking CO2 out of the air. A push from Washington and other world capitals could help spur the market for such carbon-capture technology.
OpinionUS manufacturing is key to competitivenessUS global competitiveness is slipping. But there is some good news: US manufacturing is in the midst of a revival. Preparing a skilled workforce for the manufacturing sector should be one of the Obama administration鈥檚 top economic priorities. This can boost competitiveness.
The Monitor's ViewA rightful airing of Obama drone policyIn the latest concern over war tactics against terrorists, President Obama had to release his guidelines for the use of drones in targeted killings. To help ensure constancy and consistency in civic values during wartime, Congress must openly debate this policy.
OpinionDo we want drone-architect John Brennan as CIA chief?At John Brennan's Senate confirmation hearing, the candidate for CIA director should be asked about the killing of Americans, civilian victims of drone strikes, extraordinary renditions, and torture. Do those actions make us safer? Are they consistent with US laws and values?
OpinionMyanmar's urgent human rights need: citizenship for 'the Roma of Asia'Myanmar (Burma) has a long way to go on human rights. An issue that demands immediate attention is a crisis involving a sizable ethnic and religious group, the Rohingya 鈥� one of the most persecuted minorities in the world. This stateless people deserve citizenship and tolerance.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectivePutting an end to sex traffickingA 海角大神 Science perspective: How the saving power of prayer can help stop enslavement through sex trafficking.
The Monitor's ViewHigher ed and lower jobs: What's needed in the new economyMore jobs rely on intangible qualities rather than measurable goods, knowledge, or skills. Countries and colleges, too, must look to the invisible assets of social, intellectual, and organizational 'capital."
OpinionAfter Lance Armstrong doping: Time for Nike to just do it 鈥� fairlyBy taking the initiative to donate funds to anti-doping agencies and research, the company would not only help redeem itself ethically after steadfastly backing Armstrong and other Nike athletes who鈥檝e doped. It would also boost its brand image 鈥� and surely its market share.
Machines versus peopleFor generations, machines have been replacing people. We've applauded when drudge work was mechanized. Now, however, machines are moving in on thought work. That has big implications for the future of jobs.
OpinionCalifornia's balanced budget? Hold the applause.Although Gov. Jerry Brown has pronounced California's "did the impossible" with its balanced budget, the state is still in miserable condition. Like the federal government, it has to make some hard choices going forward. And voters need to make an extra effort to participate in state politics.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveComfort in the aftermath of terrorA 海角大神 Science perspective: A resident of Ankara, Turkey, prays after the suicide bomber attack on the US embassy there last week.
The Monitor's ViewA comforting arm to curb Army suicidesA record in military suicides, despite many new prevention programs, points to a need to change military culture to help detect those in need and make it easier to get help.
OpinionFrance's disappointing labor reformsLabor reforms forged by France鈥檚 Socialist president, Fran莽ois Hollande, may look like progress. But they merely tinker with rigid labor laws. Europe's second largest economy must become far more business friendly if it wants to escape zero-percent economic growth and youth joblessness.
OpinionA better way to keep Islamists at bay in MaliFrance says it will withdraw from Mali once an African peacekeeping force is in place. To keep Islamists at bay, the US is considering increasing its military presence in the region. A better approach is to focus on fixing the governance issues that fuel radicalism to begin with.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveSparing the wildflowersA 海角大神 Science perspective: How letting love fill your heart and mind reveals loveliness all around.
