海角大神

Despite the convulsion of Israeli-Palestinian violence, there are signs that the arrival of a diplomacy-first Biden administration has accelerated a 鈥渄iplomatic spring鈥� across much of the Middle East.

Russia may not be at war with the West, but it is increasingly using a warlike sensibility in its domestic rhetoric and policy. And that鈥檚 having a real cost for civil society.

The clash between religious and LGBTQ rights is one of the most acrimonious in U.S. politics. But two women鈥檚 efforts show how mutual respect can reveal common ground and human connection. Part 3 in the Monitor鈥檚 Respect Project.

A beloved聽children鈥檚 literature festival, where children pick the winning authors, might not be able to meet in person this year. But for kids, authors, and librarians alike, it鈥檚 more important than ever.

The pursuit of a career in performance can lead to success 鈥� or mediocrity. In the film 鈥淭he Disciple,鈥� a devotee of Hindustani classical music comes to terms with his abilities in a way that鈥檚 relatable to us all.

Dictatorships are not supposed to do this: On May 4, the autocratic regime of Venezuelan leader Nicol谩s Maduro appointed two independent civic activists to a five-member government body that runs elections. One appointee, Roberto Pic贸n, had even spent six months in prison for trying to save what little democracy remains in a country short on freedoms and long on repression by fear.

The United States and others jumped on the small concession by Mr. Maduro as a possible first step toward a return of democracy. A few days later, the leading opposition figure, Juan Guaid贸, dropped his stance that Mr. Maduro must leave office before elections are held.

Yet the move may have a deeper meaning, one seen lately in many countries where autocrats have failed to respond well to the pandemic.

Venezuela has a rising number of volunteers in independent civic groups trying to end the country鈥檚 political and humanitarian crisis. In fact, the two appointees were nominated by the聽Civic Forum, a nongovernmental coalition of trade unions, religious groups, academics, and others. As his legitimacy has faded, Mr. Maduro could be trying to adorn his government with trusted figures from grassroots organizations, filling a void in moral leadership.

鈥淰enezuelan civil society is increasingly emerging as a significant, autonomous force,鈥� states a May 6 report by the International Crisis Group. In particular, the report says, the Civic Forum has been active in dealing with COVID-19, seeking economic reforms, and relieving widespread suffering.

Under the Maduro regime, Venezuela鈥檚 economy has collapsed. It is now Latin America鈥檚 worst humanitarian emergency. In April, the government finally agreed to allow the into the country and feed 1.5 million children. Venezuela ranks fourth in the world in terms of food insecurity.

Democracies rely on the small platoons of selfless individuals who form independent associations that uplift society, whether to ensure rule of law or to feed hungry people. Even under authoritarian regimes, people find ways to express this natural freedom of association. At times, dictators inclined to suppress such activity may tap into it. Their own failings help make the civic good of civil society stand out.