All Commentary
The Monitor's ViewUS must focus on Afghanistan heroin tradeWith so many Americans trying heroin each year, Congress and Obama must fund long-term efforts to curb poppy growing and the opium trade in Afghanistan, even after the US ends its combat role. This will also curb opium profits funding the Taliban.
OpinionThe case for military intervention in SyriaFormer US ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker argues that the West should not wait for a single mass atrocity before it intervenes in Syria, as it did in Bosnia. What is the magic number of deaths that will prompt the international community to act? We've already passed 9,000.
OpinionThe coming rise of Chinese brandsUS take heed: China聽has its sights set on something beyond manufacturing 鈥� building Chinese-owned global brands 鈥� where the true economic power lies. And though Chinese brands don't currently have a stellar international reputation, history shows they could soon.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveWhen comfort seems scarceA 海角大神 Science perspective: Attending a funeral and offering comfort to a friend who may be grieving can be difficult. How can you be the most helpful?
The Monitor's ViewSyria? Iran? Kony? Let's face down atrocities before they occur.Obama sets a model for the world with an alert system to prevent potential mass atrocities. But will it also prevent foreign military intervention in trouble spots?- Readers RespondReaders Write: Religion should 'render unto Ceasar'; Obamacare debate misses markLetters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of April 23, 2012: Several readers argue that protecting religious freedom can't threaten individual rights. Another says the debate over Obamacare ignores the real issue with US health-care 鈥� skyrocketing costs.
OpinionNumber of long-term unemployed older workers quintupled. The help hasn't.Older jobless workers have a higher rate of long-term unemployment than any other group. And employer policies end up discriminating against them. Yet workers age 50 and up comprise nearly a third of the US workforce. Policymakers must help this key demographic find good jobs.
OpinionIran nuclear talks: To keep global support, US must seize diplomatic opportunitiesTalks between Iran and the P5+1 in Istanbul April 14 show that negotiations aimed at addressing Tehran's nuclear ambitions appear to be on track. Diplomatic momentum should quell loose talk about the 'military option.' The top priority now must be to halt Iran's uranium enrichment.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveFor the love of the game and all humanityA 海角大神 Science perspective: College baseball fans find common ground despite political differences. Can the same spirit permeate the contentious political landscape?
The Monitor's ViewWhy Earth Day needs a regreeningEarth Day 2012 finds public support for the environment sagging. Yet an eminent British thinker finds hope in the moral constraints of a love for one's local community.
OpinionBeyond Kony 2012, child soldiers are used in most civil warsKony 2012 campaign calls for plastering posters everywhere tonight. But the use of child soldiers goes far beyond warlord Kony and his LRA. It is the norm in most civil wars. Governments, too, use children to fight. One way to stop it: Deny military aid to these governments.
OpinionThis Earth Day, let's focus on peopleEnvironmentalists go on about the loss of endangered species and degraded coral reefs. But we barely mention people 鈥撀� nature's biggest beneficiaries. 锘縏his Earth Day, let鈥檚 put human well-being at the center of things, and make explicit the value of nature to our everyday lives.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveGiving thanks for 'sweet water'A 海角大神 Science perspective: Earth Day can be a time to give gratitude for God's abundance.
The Monitor's ViewContaining Syria's chemical weaponsLittle-noticed amid the fighting and attempted cease-fire in Syria are the stockpiles of chemical weapons. The US and others are trying to check their use or theft. Russia also needs to pressure Assad into ensuring they are safely stored.
Global ViewpointWorld's next technology leader will be US, not China 鈥� if America can shape upInnovation drives income growth and determines global military and diplomatic leadership. China lacks the kind of inclusive political institutions like those in the US that promote innovation. But inequality and money's influence on political power threaten American innovation.- Global ViewpointWorld's next technology leader will be US, not China 鈥� if America can shape upInnovation drives income growth and determines global military and diplomatic leadership. China lacks the kind of inclusive political institutions like those in the US that promote innovation. But inequality and money's influence on political power threaten American innovation.
OpinionThe firing of Brooke Harris: a teachable moment about free speechLast month, Michigan teacher Brooke Harris was fired for allegedly helping students organize a 'hoodie' fundraiser for the family of Trayvon Martin. By all means, give Harris her job back. But let鈥檚 also support the free-speech rights of all of our teachers, not just the ones we agree with.
OpinionTarek Mehanna: Punishing Muslims for free speech only helps Al QaedaTarek Mehanna鈥檚 political speech was controversial and offensive. But the prosecution did not show that he was willing to actually engage in violence.听Terrorists win hearts and minds when the US government prosecutes Muslims in America with little regard for the Constitution.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveBreaking the mocking habitA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewCitiGroup shareholder revolt: golden-rule capitalismA shareholder revolt at banking giant CitiGroup that rejected a pay package for top executives marks a chance for a healthier relationship between investors and managers. It might also reduce the nation's income inequality.
