All Commentary
Walter RodgersWar with Iran? Consult history.It sounds like war drums. Tehran says it will execute an alleged US spy and threatens to block the Strait of Hormuz. GOP presidential candidates talk of regime change and military strikes, and Obama is not cowed by Iran. But wars do not often turn out as envisioned.- Walter RodgersWar with Iran? Consult history.It sounds like war drums. Tehran says it will execute an alleged US spy and threatens to block the Strait of Hormuz. GOP presidential candidates talk of regime change and military strikes, and Obama is not cowed by Iran. But wars do not often turn out as envisioned.
OpinionDream a little DREAM: A solution to US illegal immigration that is fair to allIn US immigration debate, compassion for children brought here illegally by parents, and fairness to citizens and legal immigrants聽do not have to be diametrically opposed. Congress and Obama can grant lawful permanent resident status under a version of the now-defunct DREAM Act.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveSafety from threats large and smallA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewArab Spring justice 鈥� but a free pass for Yemen's SalehUnder a plan backed by Obama and Saudi Arabia, Yemen's interim cabinet agreed Sunday to amnesty for President Ali Abdullah Saleh in return for him stepping down. But democracy can't take root without rule of law.
OpinionObama's 'new' defense goals aren't new 鈥� and neither are the flaws in his strategyThe goals of Obama's new defense strategy aren't new: countering terrorism and instability in the Middle East and maintaining access in the Asia Pacific. The news is the change in how the US will accomplish those goals. Can the strategy work? I have my doubts.
OpinionSelling organs to pay off debt: Microfinance needs reformsGovernments and microfinance institutions must continue taking steps to reform the industry and provide the impoverished with a variety of financial services, including savings options and grants, which better meet their needs.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveLooking for your Soul-mate?A 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewArabs, like others, don't buy into abuse of historic grievancesThe Arab Spring reflects a trend away from people accepting leaders who try to exploit the ancient wrongs of other countries for their own political or violent ends.- Readers RespondReaders Write: Tebow should kneel off the field; prophets of hope, not doomLetters to the Editor for the weekly issue of January 2, 2011: One reader says Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow's displays of faith don't belong in the end zone. Another praises a recent cover story assessing world progress: Why聽must one be a prophet of doom to be recognized as a prophet?
Global ViewpointTurkey and Iran carve up a ruptured Arab worldMany analysts say the Middle East is the focus of a geopolitical power struggle between the United States and Iran. That misses the primary thread of events 鈥� namely, the ongoing soft partition of the Arab republics between Turkey and Iran, with Turkey the stronger power.- Global ViewpointTurkey and Iran carve up a ruptured Arab worldMany analysts say the Middle East is the focus of a geopolitical power struggle between the United States and Iran. That misses the primary thread of events 鈥� namely, the ongoing soft partition of the Arab republics between Turkey and Iran, with Turkey the stronger power.
OpinionWhat does Play-Doh have to do with Plato? A mother's battle with the college essayMy son and I knew these admission essays were important. But the advice on the bookstore shelves overwhelmed us.聽For students hoping to meet the last few application deadlines: Forget high-priced college consultants and turn instead to the real experts, the essayists themselves.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveUnbreakable bondA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewObama military strategy: Is it bipartisan enough?President Obama needed a security strategy before asking for big budget cuts in defense. His plan from the Pentagon calls for America to take more risks, create a lean force, and focus on Asia. But he'll need buy-in from Congress to make it stick.
OpinionHow can it be? Student financial aid fuels increase in college tuition.When federal (and state) financial aid programs make money available to well-off students, it is in a college's interest to capture that aid and use it to 'improve' the college, thus driving up costs and tuition. Aid must be restructured so that more of it goes to needy students.
OpinionTaiwan elections: US must show respect for self-determinationAs Taiwan presidential elections approach Jan. 14, the US has shown a preference for incumbent Ma Ying-jeou 鈥� who says he can work with China. The US should set aside wishful thinking about unification and respect the right of Taiwanese to decide their own future.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveOur sleepless keeperA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewAnd the winner in Iowa is ... baby-kissing retail politicsSantorum's near-win over well-monied Romney is a victory for face-to-face campaigning 鈥� even democracy itself 鈥� as well as small-state presidential contests.
OpinionFrom an ex-CIA spy: US must exploit new split in Iran's Revolutionary GuardA serious split is developing within Iran鈥檚 powerful Revolutionary Guard. The West must leverage that split in support of regime change before the Islamic Republic successfully tests nuclear weapons.
