All Commentary
The Monitor's ViewThe Internet needs its own 鈥榙eclaration of independence鈥�A new 鈥楧eclaration of Internet Freedom鈥� should spark a much-needed discussion about online rights and privacy.
OpinionWhy there will be no foreign military intervention in SyriaDespite the apparent failure of the meeting in Geneva over the weekend and a new Human Rights Watch report of widespread torture by the regime of Bashar al-Assad, a foreign military intervention in Syria is unlikely. In fact, there is reason to doubt that Washington really wants Assad to fall.
OpinionDirect foreign intervention is the only feasible option for Syria crisisThe recent Geneva agreement is ill fitted to reality in Syria, and a new Human Rights Watch report details torture by the Bashar al-Assad regime.聽Intervention appears to be the only means for halting human rights violations, stabilizing the conflict, and ensuring a sustainable transition.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveThe road to freedomA 海角大神 Science perspective: For many people in the United States, the Fourth of July inspires celebrating freedom. The quest for freedom, regardless of one's national origin, runs deep in the human heart.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: The dangers of big banks and second-hand marijuana smokeLetters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of July 2, 2012: When power is concentrated 鈥� as in big banks like Jamie Dimon's JPMorgan Chase 鈥� expect some tyranny.聽Marijuana is an insidious drug, more harmful than many have been led to believe.
The Monitor's ViewWhat kind of PRI will rule Mexico?Mexican voters have done what was once unthinkable, returning the notoriously corrupt PRI to the presidency after tossing it out in 2000. But Mexico is a different place today.
OpinionThis 4th of July: The dawn of a new 'independents' dayA record-high 38 percent of Americans now describe themselves as independents.聽Republican and Democratic party leaders ignore this聽growing lack of party allegiance聽at their peril.聽Whichever party shifts to accommodate more moderate voters first will survive and even thrive.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveLove stops crimeA 海角大神 Science perspective.
OpinionFive lessons from Kosovo on peacemaking and problem-solvingKosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci:聽The聽International Steering Group decides today whether to conclude its supervision of Kosovo鈥檚 independence. History offers few more inspiring examples of how democracy can prevail with strong international support.
The Monitor's ViewIn health-care decision, Roberts rules of order reignBesides his key vote in upholding most of Obamacare, Chief Justice John Roberts also pointed to a need for civility, humility, and limits in the use of power.
OpinionNetworked moms are the new soccer moms 鈥� and they're not on the sidelinesThe landscape has changed since the 'soccer mom' term gained prevalence. With technology at our disposal, we moms are now powerfully networked and politically active. Politicians take note: 'Networked moms' are definitely in the game 鈥� and changing it 鈥� not watching from the sidelines.
OpinionSen. Collins: Republicans and Democrats can agree on Myanmar (Burma)In Myanmar (Burma) the tide of democracy is growing. But Aung San Suu Kyi rightly cautions foreign investors that the country still has no 鈥榬ule of law.鈥� The US must continue to support those working to further human rights and civil society while carefully watching Burma's generals.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveA heart in protestA 海角大神 Science perspective: Nightly protests in Montreal, calling for greater economic and social justice, moved this resident to find a deeper source for justice.
OpinionRoberts ruling on Obamacare rebukes partisanship with moderationFew doubted the Supreme Court ruling on health care, or Obamacare, would be 5-4. Hardly anyone figured Chief Justice John G. Roberts would swing to uphold the law. His moderation is a measured rebuke to the law's politicization. Bipartisanship is needed on big issues.
The Monitor's ViewA taxing decision on health care mandate by the Supreme CourtThe Supreme Court ruling on the health care law and its mandate assumes that a 'tax' for not buying insurance is simply an incentive. It isn't much of an incentive if it penalizes those who rely on nonmedical means of healing.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveA haven during the Colorado wildfiresA 海角大神 Science perspective: Colorado wildfires have caused tens of thousands to evacuate their homes. How can safety and comfort聽 be found?
The Monitor's ViewSyria intervention of the right sortWhen Syria downed a Turkish jet last Friday, who came out in support of Turkey? That club of democracies called NATO. The Syrians' cry for freedom demands a strong response by nations already free.- Readers RespondLetter to the Editor: UN mission in Haiti is not 'all about scandal'Mariano Fern谩ndez Amun谩tegui, special representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Haiti, defends the work of the UN mission (MINUSTAH) there.
OpinionTitle IX at 40: Most schools still aren't in complianceFour decades after Title IX went into place, enormous progress for women and girls has been made. But most schools in America are still not providing men and women with equal opportunities to participate and equal treatment in athletics. There's work to be done.
OpinionTime to end the 'cold war' between Turkey and IsraelWith Iran nuclear talks stalled, Syria downing a Turkish fighter jet, and uncertainty following the Arab Spring, there has never been a more important time for Turkey and Israel to end their 'cold war.' They can begin with a compensation deal over the Mavi Marmara flotilla incident.
