All The Monitor's View
Defining peace in a Trumpian eraLeaders worldwide, confronted by a U.S. president who styles himself as a peacemaker, reflect anew on the inner qualities necessary for peace.
An alternative path for Trump鈥檚 revolutionLike a few presidents before him, President Donald Trump is asserting full authority over all executive branch workers. Looking to some states, he may find better models for altering federal policies while upholding ideals of accountability.
Why Iran鈥檚 protesters look to IraqEven the top Muslim cleric in Iraq tries to avoid politics, a separation of religion and politics that Iranians now see as a way to secure democracy and prevent economic mismanagement.
The duo tapping a new Japanese-Korean beatA more-than-symbolic summit between the odd-couple leaders of South Korea and Japan might help shape a more peaceful Asia.
A credible hand on the nation's economic engineA probe into the Federal Reserve, coming after the president鈥檚 harsh critiques, is sowing bipartisan concern about political meddling in setting interest rates. Americans need trust in the integrity, expertise, and long-term perspective of the Fed.
For Greenland, partnership over pugnacityEyeing the abundance of minerals under the frozen soil of this Arctic territory, the U.S. is threatening a forcible takeover. But a reset emphasizing respect and cooperation would better preserve a longtime Western alliance.
Helping ICE be saferAs the agency and those resisting mass deportations have increasingly clashed, many agents are seeking mental health services 鈥� to help them have a calmer mindset in their difficult work.
Crowdsourcing the awe of natureAs discoveries of species on Earth as well as objects in space speed up exponentially, new technology and 鈥渃itizen science鈥� are broadening channels for learning 鈥� and connecting.聽
Why Iran鈥檚 protests are different this timeWidespread street demonstrations since Dec. 28 reflect a 鈥渘ew moral order鈥� of dignity that has slowly undercut the regime鈥檚 legitimacy.
Discernment that shatters online falsehoodsA French court鈥檚 ruling on the cyberharassment of Brigitte Macron underscores the tension between free expression and algorithms that amplify untruths. Exercising moral and spiritual judgment can help online contributors bless rather than injure others.
An opening for Venezuelans鈥� intrinsic sovereigntyThe dictator who disregarded his citizens鈥� 2024 election of a new leader has been captured by the U.S. Even as the legality of U.S. action is debated, Venezuelans are reclaiming the rights that exiled Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mar铆a Corina Machado says are 鈥渄ivinely鈥� theirs.
Asia giants find warmer ties may cool conflictChina and India are taking tentative steps to restore diplomacy and replace contention with dialogue and trade. The benefits of such stability would serve American interests and the region.聽
The eternal gift of ChristmasThe seasonal surfeit of material presents is prompting a rethink. A parallel increase in religious affiliation can help shift the focus of this spiritual celebration from things to the 鈥渢idings of comfort and joy.鈥�
For Ukraine and Taiwan, dissuasion in strengthThe West鈥檚 big military aid packages for the two democracies will be additional deterrence to aggression by Russia and China, perhaps forcing concessions for peace.
Germany鈥檚 defense of European valuesThe country has moved to boost military commitments and is outspoken about holding Russia accountable for its aggression in Ukraine. This candor affirms a growing willingness to step out of history鈥檚 shadow 鈥� and shine the light of democracy.聽
Invites for a corruption-free lifeProtests over alleged corruption in Romania show a greater focus on affirming integrity and honesty.
An America yearning for the sacred in civic lifeAt the state level, many elected officials speak openly about how they rely on ethics and faith to navigate partisan challenges. They might be shaping a 鈥渂etter way鈥� for voters to relate to each other.
A balm of heroism and truth for AustraliaBy disarming a gunman during the Bondi Beach shooting, a Syrian Australian illustrates a legacy of respect for the innocent and social harmony.
Celebrating Africa鈥檚 history and hopes through artA street art festival in Nigeria is showcasing the continent鈥檚 tradition of public murals. Combining color, creativity, and exuberance, artists seek to reflect 鈥� and help shape 鈥� society鈥檚 aspirations.
The tide of civic awakening rises in BulgariaA mass anti-corruption movement in this Eastern European country is the latest in a worldwide series of largely youth-led uprisings this year. Such civilian engagement forwards hope 鈥� and democratic progress.
