All Commentary
Global ViewpointHow to survive in a tech-driven economyTechnological innovation has made the US economy more productive, but this new economy creates fewer jobs, and wages are suffering. Preparing workers for an era when productivity and employment are no longer linked will be the grand challenge of the next generation.
OpinionEgypt and other Arab democracies will not survive without including more womenDespite their sacrifices during the Arab revolutions, Arab women are glaringly absent聽from the new parliaments, constitutional drafting committees, and cabinet appointments 鈥� especially in Egypt. But聽democracy, like revolution, is unsustainable in the Middle East without the inclusion of women.- A 海角大神 Science Perspective'How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given'A 海角大神 Science perspective: Why you don't have to be stressed at Christmastime.
The Monitor's ViewShaping the world of 2030A US intelligence report to the president on global trends to the year 2030 is generally upbeat. But like any futuristic study, its foresight needs hindsight in the reading.
OpinionBeyond the 'fiscal cliff,' America's kids need more 鈥� not less 鈥� government spendingAs the 'fiscal cliff' approaches, John Boehner and other lawmakers should beware of another kind of deficit 鈥� the growing opportunity deficit for low-income US children, already聽present by the time they enter kindergarten.聽Government can help with universal childcare and preschool.
OpinionHow the US can prevent the use and spread of Syria's chemical weaponsThe conflict in Syria could become even more deadly if Bashar al-Assad uses or loses control of his sizeable arsenal of chemical weapons. The聽international community鈥檚 options to prevent these scenarios are limited, but they do provide a starting point.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveMy veteran, my heroA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWhy latest failure of global warming talks may be a successThe weak outcome of the climate change talks in Doha only add to the momentum toward solutions at the local level, where values on the common good are more easily shared.
OpinionReturn on American humanitarian aid: They like usFrom Indonesia 鈥� the world's largest Muslim nation 鈥� to Pakistan, recipients of American humanitarian aid improve their opinions of the United States, especially when that aid is targeted at individuals, and not governments.
Opinion'Fiscal cliff' or not, tax reform is easier said than doneAs part of any deal on the 'fiscal cliff,' Congress will likely take up comprehensive tax聽reform. That's a worthy goal, but it will involve more political and economic pain than most would like to admit.聽Every line in the tax code has its own constituency and rationale.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectivePromises keptA 海角大神 Science perspective.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Preserve local news; Japan's nuclear dilemma is an energy dilemmaLetters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of December 10, 2012:聽Local news gives citizens the information to get involved and affect their immediate environment and the political decisions that shape it. Japan's problem is that is has no viable energy options other than nuclear power.
The Monitor's ViewHow to avoid revenge killings in post-Assad SyriaThe end appears near for the Assad regime in Syria. The opposition and world powers must do more to prevent the kind of post-conflict revenge 鈥� mainly against Alawites 鈥� that could ricochet in the Middle East.
OpinionHow to protect Americans from anti-terrorism data sharingAcross the United States, dozens of 'fusion centers' pool and share information in an effort to prevent another September 11. But these centers have not been effective anti-terrorism tools and have violated Americans' rights. Here's how they can be fixed.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveGetting and keeping ChristmasA 海角大神 Science perspective: If the lights and music, holiday events and parties, don鈥檛 meet our real yearning for what is at the heart of Christmas, what will?
OpinionPlan B for raising debt ceiling: Obama should invoke the ConstitutionPresident Obama wisely wants to resolve the looming crises with the debt ceiling and the 'fiscal cliff ' now. If he can't strike a debt-ceiling deal, he has another option: Bring out the Constitution, whose 14th Amendment states that the 'validity' of US debt 'shall not be questioned.'
The Monitor's ViewLook to Lincoln to solve 'fiscal cliff'As the Spielberg movie 'Lincoln' and many books about Abraham Lincoln reveal, solving difficult standoffs in Washington takes more than savvy politics and horse-trading. Lincoln had to first turn to deeper ideals that then helped him win allies.
OpinionObama and Israel are walking away from two-state solution with PalestiniansBy refusing to support the Palestinian bid at the UN, President Obama has essentially endorsed a No State Solution between Israel and Palestine.聽Changing course is possible. A good place to start would be threatening to remove US aid to Israel, given its plans for more settlement building.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveSpiritual stewardsA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewMaking the world flat-out against corruptionThe latest ranking of perceived corruption among nations doesn't show much change. But other evidence points to a grassroots rebellion against graft in hopes of a culture of honesty.
