All Commentary
OpinionHow to transform African farming: Return to 'orphan crops'If sub-Saharan Africa is to benefit from advances in agricultural productivity, investments in the so-called 'orphan crops' 鈥� sweet potato, cassava, and millet 鈥� will be crucial for strengthening the poorest farmers鈥� livelihoods and improving nutrition.- Readers RespondReaders Write: Family dinners are good investment; Both GOP and Dems lean rightLetters to the Editor for the August 6, 2012 weekly print issue: Family dinners at home cost less, are more nutritious, teach children verbal skills, and build connections. American political parties aren't governing from the extremes; they're both governing from the right.
- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveProtecting the innocence of childrenA 海角大神 Science perspective: How a schoolteacher helped prevent child abuse.
The Monitor's ViewWhispers of peace in SyriaWith the resignation of Kofi Annan as UN peace envoy, Syrians must now find their own solution. Reports show a 'silent majority' quietly turning against Assad 鈥� and toward peace.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveNever say always?A 海角大神 Science perspective.
OpinionVast humanitarian crisis in Sudan 鈥� againHillary Rodham Clinton's brief visit to South Sudan provided an opportunity for the United States to show leadership in countering a vast humanitarian crisis in the border region between Sudan and South Sudan. Once again, the world is looking away.
Opinion'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter' denies origin and legacy of slaveryThe film wishes away responsibility for America鈥檚 most horrific events, because no one is to blame for these tragedies but vampires. America should examine its appetite for this fantasy, when聽Hollywood transforms the most eloquent statesmen into an axe-wielding action hero.
The Monitor's ViewIndia blackout flips a switchA two-day blackout for half of India was caused in large part by a massive theft of electricity. Many countries have yet to break the link between wholesale corruption and the stealing of power. Such widespread dishonesty can slow a country's growth.
Global ViewpointTony Blair: Europe needs a grand bargain to save the euroWe are used to periodic crises that somehow resolve themselves. This crisis is different. All the choices are ugly, but the least ugly for Europe, and for Germany in particular, is to save the euro.- Global ViewpointTony Blair: Europe needs a grand bargain to save the euroWe are used to periodic crises that somehow resolve themselves. This crisis is different. All the choices are ugly, but the least ugly for Europe, and for Germany in particular, is to save the euro.
OpinionWashington, get ready for more Iranian influence after Bashar al-Assad falls in SyriaAfter the fall of Bashar-al Assad in Syria, Iran will compensate for its lost ally by strengthening its influence in Lebanon alongside its affiliate Hezbollah 鈥� the Shiite militant group that now dominates the country.聽To prevent this, Washington must take a leadership role in the Lebanon.
The Monitor's ViewCreate jobs 鈥� or create more graduates for existing jobs?On the presidential campaign trail, Obama and Romney debate job creation when the easier path is tooling up graduates of higher education for jobs that already exist. But a political divide deters even that solution.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveIn Jesus' footstepsA 海角大神 Science perspective: When the writer participated in a 鈥楻adical Acts鈥� program 鈥� an ecumenical community effort to follow Jesus鈥� most demanding teachings 鈥� he found a deeper way of living.
OpinionThe best pick for Romney vice president? The one no one's talking about.Speculation over Mitt Romney's pick for vice president repeats the same few names. But there鈥檚 another VP Mr. Romney should consider, someone who could help him with the Jewish vote and gain him support in a crucial swing state: House Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia.
A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveSunflowers' promise of hope and unityA 海角大神 Science perspective: Sometimes a scene in nature provides a fresh view of how things could be. A field of sunflowers in Kansas gave such a glimpse.
Five ways the Republican National Convention can excite voters The images, themes, and sound bites generated at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., Aug. 27-30 will set the tone for the rest of the election season. Here are five suggestions the GOP can use at its convention to excite voters and chart a path to victory.
OpinionRepublican references to 'real Americans' incite division and fearAmerica is changing in ways Sarah Palin's 'real Americans' don't like. As the US diversifies, to remain relevant, the GOP must abandon divisive language that Michelle Bachmann and others have used recently and instead embrace a more unifying message.
The Monitor's ViewWhen half of India loses electricity, time for lessons on going localIndia's electricity grid went out for 600 million people Tuesday. The historic blackout shows how nations must reconsider big, complex infrastructure like centralized electric utilities.
OpinionIran's new quest for nuclear submarines: dangerous and needlessIran recently announced plans to develop nuclear-powered submarines, requiring enough highly enriched uranium for two nuclear weapons. Tehran's ambition seems to be more than just a bargaining chip. Upping the ante on its questionable nuclear program is dangerous and needless.
The Monitor's ViewAn opening for gun control after Colorado shooting and charges on James HolmesEven as Colorado shooting suspect James Holmes faces 24 murder charges, a conservative Supreme Court justice speaks out on gun control and legal limits on gun rights.
