All Commentary
The Monitor's ViewWhen campaign politics turn vicious, what voters can doAs the 2012 campaigns settle into a pattern of personal attacks, voters need not be passive, or even resigned. The can demand civility.
OpinionA sure-fire place to cut the US defense budgetThe US Department of Defense has said that the air-defense program known as MEADS will never be operational. Yet Defense Secretary Leon Panetta insists that Congress reinsert $400 million in the defense budget for the program. Amazingly, Congress is falling for his line.
OpinionCould Myanmar (Burma) have Southeast Asia's first 'green president'?President Thein Sein still has a long way to go in assuring citizens, investors, and international donors that the country is on the right track, but with the right development assistance, Myanmar has the chance to succeed in sustainable development where many of its neighbors have failed.- A 海角大神 Science Perspective'You looked so much happier then.'A 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewProtect the most innocent in Syria 鈥� childrenThe largely ignored civil war in Syria has taken a big toll on children. They are often targeted, even tortured. Russia and China must not again block an effective UN response to the Assad regime's war crimes.
OpinionUN can't leave Haiti until rule of law is establishedAny exit strategy for the UN presence in Haiti has to be built on the country doubling the size of its police, ending impunity in its courts, and forging the rule of law as a foundation for economic growth and political stability.
OpinionAmericans must engage more 鈥� not less 鈥� with Muslims in the Middle EastThe forces unleashed by the Arab awakening are in a sorting-out period in which the most extreme voices are getting the most media play. But they are not the majority. Rather than condemn the region or the Muslim faith, Americans should champion the voices of reason amidst the mayhem.聽- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveNo storm surge in God's presenceA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewOld Europe meets newDriven by the euro crisis, 11 European nations led by Germany propose a tighter union with more democracy. As a new model of governance and shared sovereignty, it would be one of old virtues designed for tougher global competition.
By fearing rise of Al Qaeda in Syria, US ignores greater threat: inactionFocusing on Al Qaeda鈥檚 potential for exploiting the Syrian conflict distracts from the rapidly mounting costs of US inaction. If the US continues to sit on the sidelines as the human toll rises, it could face a decidedly anti-American government in Damascus, jihadists in power or not.- By fearing rise of Al Qaeda in Syria, US ignores greater threat: inactionFocusing on Al Qaeda鈥檚 potential for exploiting the Syrian conflict distracts from the rapidly mounting costs of US inaction. If the US continues to sit on the sidelines as the human toll rises, it could face a decidedly anti-American government in Damascus, jihadists in power or not.
OpinionWhy a liberal arts education is the best job preparationIf ever there was a time to emphasize a classic liberal arts education 鈥� more than distributing information or training for specific jobs 鈥� this is it. Students today can easily find information. The challenge is making sense of the whole, finding connections, dealing with complexity.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveQuenching volcanoes of partisanshipA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewBringing wisdom to Japan-China island clashesJapan and China must de-escalate their dangerous nationalist conflict over 5 small islands with the diplomacy of restraint and patience.
Global ViewpointAmerica should not apologize for values that clash with hostile IslamIn an interview, 'Infidel' author Ayaan Hirsi Ali says violent protests against an anti-Islam video stem from a religion and culture with no room for criticism. 'Westerners should quit the moral relativist posturing and get down to the hard work of defending their values,' she says.- Global ViewpointAmerica should not apologize for values that clash with hostile IslamIn an interview, 'Infidel' author Ayaan Hirsi Ali says violent protests against an anti-Islam video stem from a religion and culture with no room for criticism. 'Westerners should quit the moral relativist posturing and get down to the hard work of defending their values,' she says.
OpinionAfter anti-Islam video and Muslim riots, we are all ambassadorsAmbassadorship is no longer reserved for elites. In this era of digital interconnectedness, we are all called upon to use free speech to foster peace, not violence. To honor Ambassador Stevens, let us uphold that responsibility in our online 鈥� and offline 鈥� interactions.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveCounteracting hateA 海角大神 Science perspective: When different groups of people are accused of hate and intolerance, and violence erupts, how can prayer contribute to healing?
The Monitor's ViewMuslim protests as a gauge of free speechMost of the world's Muslims aren't violently protesting the anti-Islam video. And many Islamic leaders seek peaceful protest but not censorship. This may be a sign that free speech has gained as a universal right.
OpinionTime to argue for Islam's humane view of blasphemyViolent protests over the video that insults the prophet Muhammad highlight a fundamentalist view of blasphemy. But this interpretation relies on only a handful of sources and ignores Islamic authorities with a far more humane view. Muslims should rediscover these Islamic thinkers.
