All Commentary
The economic impact of hurricane SandyGauging hurricane Sandy's ultimate impact on the US economy is far more complex than merely adding up insurance payouts and uninsured losses. Disasters can give the ailing construction sector a boost, and unleash smart reinvestment that improves stricken areas.
Will the 'European dream' continue?Amid a protracted economic crisis, Europeans are unsure they want greater integration -- but rightly concerned about backsliding into the nationalistic divisions that long haunted the continent.
The Monitor's ViewWhat lessons from hurricane Sandy?The best response to natural events like hurricane Sandy lies in a community preparing its political, civic, and even cultural attitudes. Each disaster, such as Katrina, teaches new lessons. What can America's mid-Atlantic region learn from Sandy?- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveWe don't have to waitA 海角大神 Science perspective: What can allay the fear of contracting meningitis for those who have taken drugs that may have been contaminated?
- Readers RespondReaders Write: How to fight voter-ID disenfranchisement; What US must do about IranLetters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of October 29, 2012: In response to voter ID laws (blatant attempts at disenfranchisement) communities should聽band together and pull off the greatest voter registration drive in history. The US and its allies should step up support for legitimate democracy movements in Iran with the goal of destabilizing and replacing the regime.
The Monitor's ViewSyria's YouTube 'war' could win the warAnother failed ceasefire in Syria once again demands new ways to end the violence. Perhaps the truth-telling tactics of the opposition in YouTube videos can help hollow out the lies of the Assad regime so that his remaining support collapses.
OpinionHow to give cooperative businesses more clout in the world economyAgainst a backdrop of sluggish economic growth, rising wealth inequality, and high unemployment, cooperative businesses are telling an unexpected story of stability, growth, and value. They could do even more good if they received greater political and public support.
OpinionIt's almost Nov. 6. Do you know what books Obama and Romney have been reading?John F. Kennedy, Harry S. Truman, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson 鈥� many of America's presidents were avid readers, and that informed their decisions. It gave them critical perspective. Americans should be curious about the reading habits of President Obama and Mitt Romney.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveJust a touch ...A 海角大神 Science perspective: "A touch of infinite calm" is accessible to each of us.
The Monitor's ViewOh, the ease of blaming others in a crisisWhen earthquake experts are sentenced for bad predictions and lenders accused of bad calls on mortgages, society needs a reminder that individuals are responsible for their actions.
OpinionOil and globalization fuel Al Qaeda terror networkPresident Obama touts the killing of Osama bin Laden as a major blow to Al Qaeda leadership. Mitt Romney says the terrorist network remains a major threat. They're both right. Middle East oil and the forces of globalization continue to fuel Al Qaeda offshoots around the world.
OpinionUS must clearly back Japan in islands dispute with ChinaAmerica rightly wants good relations with Japan and China. But sometimes one has to take sides, and the islands dispute between these two Asian powers is such a time. The US must avoid ambiguity and side more publicly with its democratic ally, Japan, and against bullying by China.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveThe government 'upon his shoulder'A 海角大神 Science perspective: A line from Handel's "Messiah" sheds some light on the US presidential election.
OpinionThe rise of Evangelical environmentalists could reshape US electionsNeither Mitt Romney nor President Obama mentioned climate change in the presidential debates. Yet rising sea levels and rising frustration with the GOP鈥檚 failure to protect the environment mean that the evangelical vote is not necessarily a sure thing for Republicans.
The Monitor's ViewLong march for Romney's threats against ChinaAs Romney and Obama duel over who can better change China's economic behavior, it's time for a fresh perspective on how much the US can change any country.
3 views on best way to curb US debt Polls show American voters rank deficits and debt as top concerns, but Mitt Romney and President Obama have sparred over their plans to cut budget deficits and tackle the debt. Three writers give their brief take on the best way to curb US debt.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectivePrayer and the "spiritual biosphere"A 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewA recovery theme in Romney-Obama presidential debateIn the presidential debate on foreign policy, both Mitt Romney and President Obama cited a need to rejuvenate the economy if the US is to be a world leader. But that choice need not be either-or.
OpinionIn presidential debate, President Obama is no dove, and Mitt Romney is no hawkPresident Obama told Mitt Romney in last night's presidential debate: 'You say you would do the same things we did, but you would just say them louder.' Commentators draw sharp distinctions between the two men, but聽their foreign policy similarities are more striking than the differences.
OpinionPresidential debate: Romney and Obama bring it back homeThe final presidential debate between Mitt Romney and President Obama underscored that their most important foreign policy differences have less to do with events on distant shores than priorities at home.
