All Editorials
OpinionMedia shouldn't dismiss value of Romney, Obama presidential debatePresidential debates 鈥� like tonight's between Mitt Romney and President Obama 鈥� are educational. The voters know it, and the statistics show it. But somebody forgot to tell our news organizations, which continue to dismiss the real importance of the debates.
OpinionWhat Romney and Obama can learn from Jim Lehrer in tonight's presidential debateJim Lehrer will moderate tonight's presidential debate with the same thoughtful tone he instilled in me as a young journalist. With Washington gridlocked, our next president will need that same spirit of inquiry and dialogue.聽Mitt Romney and President Obama should start by taking a cue from Jim.
The Monitor's ViewWomen can't be airbrushed out of Arab SpringLike IKEA's deletion of photos of women from its catalog for Saudi Arabia, Muslim countries now creating democracies can't leave out women's rights while creating civic rights.
3 views on whether US states should require voter IDVoter ID laws enacted recently in several states have taken center stage this election cycle. Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Judge Robert Simpson ruled Tuesday that the state could not implement its new voter ID law until after this year's November elections. As the fifth installment of our One Minute Debate series for election 2012, three writers give their brief take on whether US states should require voter ID.
Global ViewpointGordon Brown: Lack of global education fuels security threatsIf countries don't close the global gap in access to education, unrest will grow 鈥� not because young people are anti-American, but because they have lost hope.聽We must persuade governments and publics that educating a child in a poor country is a worthwhile investment.聽- Global ViewpointGordon Brown: Lack of global education fuels security threatsIf countries don't close the global gap in access to education, unrest will grow 鈥� not because young people are anti-American, but because they have lost hope.聽We must persuade governments and publics that educating a child in a poor country is a worthwhile investment.聽
The Monitor's ViewA global model for peacebuilding 鈥� in Somalia?One of the world's most famous failed states, Somalia, finally shows surprising signs of progress. One reason may be Somali fatigue over violence, anarchy, and foreign meddling.
OpinionSupreme Court case tests US leadership in human rightsToday the Supreme Court will assess whether US courts can hear lawsuits that pertain to events outside the country. If the justices eventually decide 'no,' an important avenue for redress will be closed to foreign victims of human-rights abuses 鈥� and America鈥檚 beacon will shine less brightly.
OpinionBeware Russia's hand in elections in Georgia, Ukraine, LithuaniaA top priority of Russian President Vladimir Putin is the reintegration of former Soviet republics 鈥� based on tighter economic links and culminating in a political and security pact centered around Russia. Meddling in Eastern European elections is one way to fulfill Putin's regional ambition.
The Monitor's ViewA rare apology in the Middle East. Cherish it.Libyan leader Megarif apologizes to the world and the US for past and current actions. With so much invective and violence in the Middle East, the region needs the healing power of such humility and contrition.
OpinionNote to tweeting #Romney, #Obama campaigns and #journalists: ChillBelieving that faster is better, journalists and political figures feel constant pressure to express themselves at the speed of a tweet. The resulting commentary is long on reflex and short on reflection, and harms public discourse. There's an answer: Slow down.
The Monitor's ViewA Chinese lesson in land rights and democracyThe first anniversary of a historic village protest over land grabs shows how far China , as well as many countries, must still go in securing property rights 鈥� and tying them to individual civic rights.
OpinionA shift away from zero tolerance will improve school disciplineZero tolerance for bad behavior is common in American schools, but this policy has often proved ineffective, even harmful to students and schools. The tide is turning. A method that relies on communication between students, teachers, and others improves accountability and school safety.
OpinionWhat Netanyahu's meddling in US election means for Obama, Romney, and diplomacyIsrael's Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the United Nations General Assembly today, where he is expected to reiterate his demands that President Obama set 'red lines' for Iran. It appears Netanyahu is meddling in US presidential elections, fueling rifts with Obama to favor Mitt Romney.
The Monitor's ViewWhy NFL referees must be model judgesThe 'bad' NFL referee call in the 'Monday Night Football' game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers puts a spotlight on those among us whom we elevate as truth tellers and judges.
OpinionFor Obama, reality meets idealism in ties with Muslim worldJust as he did in his groundbreaking speech in Cairo in 2009, President Obama this week articulated the need for 'mutual interest and mutual respect' between Muslims and Americans. His idealism, though, has run into reality. He must adjust if he wins a second term.
3 views on what the US should do about Iran's nuclear programIranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad addressed the United Nations General Assembly Wednesday, saying Iran is under a "continued threat by the uncivilized Zionists." As the fourth installment of our One Minute Debate series for election 2012, three writers give their brief take on what the United States should do about Iran's nuclear program.
The Monitor's ViewHow Obama, Romney foreign policies are alikeWhile they differ on issues like Iran and China, Obama and Romney are alike in not having a foreign policy that would inspire Americans to build a strong economy.
OpinionYemen needs a US reset, not a retreatLast week's violent anti-US protests underscore the need for greater US engagement in Yemen.聽The country's economic, political, and security future hinges on alleviating humanitarian needs, addressing their root causes, and fostering an inclusive political transition.
The Monitor's ViewToday's democracy heroes are in the fiscal trenchesThe West's years of unsustainable promises on spending are hardly a model of democracy. When elected leaders, such as Rhode Island treasurer Gina Raimondo, tell the truth on how to rein in costs, they are democracy's heroes.
