All Commentary
The Monitor's ViewAmerica's big drought: Time to rethink water conservationMuch of the Lower 48 is in a bad drought, the worst since 1956. Yet each drought also brings new ideas for adapting to nature's vagaries. What ideas are worth considering now?
OpinionThe way forward in Syria after Bashar al-AssadYesterday's strategic bomb attack in Damascus shows it's not too soon to consider the way forward in Syria after the rule of Bashar al-Assad. Lessons from other countries teach that Syria and the international community will have to pull together for a successful transition.
OpinionA win for 'secularists' in Libya? It's not what you think.This week, so-called 'secularists' were declared official winners in Libya's parliamentary elections 鈥� and yet they support a constitutional place for Islamic sharia values. This seeming contradiction in Libya belies Western stereotypes about the incompatibility of Islam and democracy.- A 海角大神 Science Perspective'Dare mighty things'A 海角大神 Science perspective: The Mars rover Curiosity is scheduled to land on Mars on Aug. 6. The author, who was involved in the mission of the Mars rover Spirit in 2004, shares her perspective.
The Monitor's ViewSyria on the brink of liberty?So many nations 鈥� notably Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia 鈥� claim interests in Syria. It's easy to forget what still drives the civil war there: the seed of freedom planted even before the Arab Spring.
To each his own nicheMass-market campaigning is as passe as mass-market retailing.聽Politicians and pollsters increasingly slice and dice the electorate into demographic niches and tailor their messages to narrow groups of voters. Who are the 'soccer moms' of 2012?
OpinionUS must kill and capture terrorist leaders as soon as possible. It works.Killing or capturing leaders of terrorist groups increases the chances these groups will collapse. In spite of what some politicians see as short-term political and diplomatic costs, my findings suggest targeted killings are an effective counterterrorism strategy in the long run.
Four steps to success in Afghanistan Now that the United States has committed itself to Afghanistan for another 10 years, the most important policy Washington could adopt in Afghanistan is one that helps the Afghans effectively govern their country on their own. To have any hope for success, the US and Afghanistan must accomplish these four goals.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveWhat did I forget to pack?A 海角大神 Science perspective: Extreme weather or missed connections can sometimes result in disappointing vacations. Here are some insights on how to keep vacation time happy and fulfilling.
The Monitor's ViewAs bank scandals add up, a need for a culture of integrity in banksThe HSBC scandal comes soon after reckless or deceitful behavior at Barclays and JPMorgan. The pattern lies in a bank culture that doesn't emphasize character enough. A survey of the industry shows why.
OpinionBring back the American Dream? It鈥檚 not that hard.The problem isn't lack of knowledge on what to do, but partisan arguments that ignore common-sense consensus. America needs an activist government and individual responsibility. It needs immediate job creation, and over the long term, debt reduction and stronger families.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveNegative campaigns and what we can do about themA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewOut of disasters in Russia and China, a bloom of compassionRussian volunteers rushed to the city of Krymsk after its July 7 flood, just as Chinese gave generously after a 2008 earthquake. Heartfelt, organized charity isn't easy for authoritarian regimes to tolerate.
OpinionThe threat to American democracy that Romney and Obama aren't talking aboutIt's called the civics gap. Only one-third of Americans can name all three branches of government. Education reform's focus on聽high-stakes testing has sidelined civics education.聽To save American democracy, Romney and Obama must discuss how to help schools educate engaged citizens.
OpinionPush in Congress to ban biofuels in military has big long-term costsThe US armed services is working hard to wean itself off of fossil fuels and foreign oil. Yet some in Congress, for short-term savings, want to ban them from purchasing biofuels. Cutting investments in long-term solutions like alternative fuel will cost America dearly in the future.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveSummer camp life lessonsA 海角大神 Science perspective: The qualities instilled in a young girl at summer camp became useful years later at a tough time when she was a mom with three kids.
The Monitor's ViewBarclays Libor scandal: Is truth an easy casualty in the digital age?Barclays bank was caught manipulating global interest rates, known as Libor, in an act of deception over the bank's financial soundness. Preventing such dishonesty needs more than regulation.
OpinionBullied bus monitor: one cog in a broken machineBullied bus monitor Karen Klein had a responsibility to assert her authority. The takeaway for a child witnessing her passivity would be: 'If a grown-up can鈥檛 do anything to stop them, then I sure can鈥檛.' That simply isn鈥檛 true. School districts and parents must learn from this case.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveThe way Life isA 海角大神 Science perspective.
Women warriors: How close to combat?Women in the US military have been unofficially on the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq. Now they are looking to formalize their role.聽
