All Commentary
OpinionAs Syria morphs into a regional crisis, Annan 'contact group' a good place to startThe conflict in Syria is now a serious regional problem, requiring 鈥� ideally 鈥� a regional solution. That's why the Kofi Annan suggestion to create a Syria 'contact group' of world and regional powers is a good starting point. But such a group would also face tremendous obstacles.
OpinionDecline of American satellites is a matter of national securityAmerica's scientific satellites are in rapid decline, with few plans to replace them. The United States depends on satellites to track storms, monitor disasters, and build the economy. The US and private industry must work together to rebuild the satellite fleet.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveGuardian angelsA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWorld eco-summit in Rio must come down to earthThe June 20-22 UN sustainable development conference in Rio, 20 years after the first Earth Summit, comes with the latest grave warnings for the planet. Does alarmist rhetoric still work to alter consumer behavior toward the environment?
OpinionSecretary Panetta, Afghanistan needs a peace settlement, not more warUS Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta arrived in Afghanistan, where US policy has been mostly military.聽Washington continues to view Afghanistan through the lens of war when it most needs peace 鈥� a negotiated settlement with insurgents and neighboring states like India and Pakistan.
OpinionWest must recognize peaceful Palestinian resistance movementThe West has been largely silent on Palestinian nonviolent resistance, which is unifying groups like Fatah and Hamas.聽Unless the West recognizes these peaceful initiatives, some Palestinians may question whether civil protest is any better than its violent alternative.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveCountering negativity in political campaignsA 海角大神 Science perspective.
OpinionWisconsin recall election: Scott Walker, Republicans 鈥� 1; American democracy 鈥� 0The Wisconsin recall elections left Scott Walker safe, but showed that American democracy isn't faring as well.聽The bitter recall election battle there has brought into sharper relief how our politics are changing structurally and what is being lost.
The Monitor's ViewWisconsin recall election as a wake-up callThe Wisconsin recall election for Gov. Scott Walker turned out not to be as partisan as expected. This fits a national trend in bipartisan reform of benefits for state and local workers.
OpinionHow to close the budget deficit without raising tax ratesTax credits and deductions are projected to cost the US Treasury around $1.3 trillion this fiscal year. Meanwhile, the budget deficit is projected at $1.2 trillion. Without all those tax breaks, the deficit would turn into a surplus. Polls suggest Americans may be willing to see them go, too.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveStay out of the swampA 海角大神 Science perspective: What to do when the conversation in your ear drags you down.
The Monitor's ViewEuro crisis can build European identityWhen European Union leaders meet in late June, they will weigh ideas that point to more political unity as a way to stem the euro crisis. Will Europeans give up more national sovereignty?
Global ViewpointEurope needs a central government to manage its debt crisisAs Spain's credit possibilities dry up, the strength of the eurozone is further tested.聽If the European Union is to shield against the negative effects of globalization 鈥� like the current debt crisis 鈥� it needs a fully empowered, legitimate central government, writes a former Polish prime minister.- Global ViewpointEurope needs a central government to manage its debt crisisAs Spain's credit possibilities dry up, the strength of the eurozone is further tested.聽If the European Union is to shield against the negative effects of globalization 鈥� like the current debt crisis 鈥� it needs a fully empowered, legitimate central government, writes a former Polish prime minister.
OpinionDon't penalize asylum-seekers at US portsIt's not fair: Refugees who seek asylum at US ports can be detained indefinitely, while those who apply once they are already in the country are generally allowed to remain free. The Justice Department must change its position and allow judicial review of asylum seekers at ports of entry.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveCommunity harvest with biblical gardening toolsA 海角大神 Science perspective: How developing a community garden in a public housing project, despite obstacles, brought neighbors together in a meaningful and productive way.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Death penalty can reduce suffering; Gun laws protectLetters to the Editor for the June 4, 2012 weekly print magazine: We can't apply a simplistic 'cost-benefit' analysis to the death penalty.聽Stand Your Ground laws give Americans the freedom to defend ourselves with force, but don't guarantee we will use it.
The Monitor's ViewCyberattacks challenge ideas of war 鈥� and peaceIf the US, China, and others adopt hidden methods of aggression like cyberwarfare, the nature of conflict will change rapidly. So, too, must peacemaking.
5 solutions for Mexico's drug violence and security challenges Drug violence has made an impact in Mexico and threatens to escalate and surpass the US border. This challenge could have far-reaching consequences for Central and North American security. Unless we act now to solve these common issues, we are placing the future competitiveness and prosperity of the entire region at risk. Here are five main points of action to move forward on Mexico's security challenges.
4 ways Congress can help American businesses The US unemployment hovers around 8.2 percent and the Dow Jones Industrial Average is struggling to remain above 12,000. The message is clear: This recovery from the Great Recession is still fragile. Legislators should focus their attention on these four straightforward policy changes to help American commerce.
