All From the Editors
CommentaryGood government: the happiness factorOver the centuries governments have been feared, revered, and made the butt of jokes. The best governments do one thing right: they add to the balance of human happiness.
CommentaryEurope's brush with its pastHowever the crisis in Ukraine plays out, it has had a profound affect on the thinking of European leaders. Overnight, a continent that seemed to be on a holiday from history has had to grapple with the question of what it stands for.
CommentaryPartners in war, and in ending itThe inclusion of women in front-line combat operations is a belated recognition of their already-substantial role in the US military.聽
CommentaryTeaching that's tailored to learnersA classroom revolution is under way that harnesses technology to allow students to learn at the pace best suited to them -- and changes the role of teacher from "sage on the stage" to mentor and coach.
CommentaryBetter together? A new generation trySharing a dwelling has never been easy. But the idea has always been appealing. Now a combination of economics, technology, and new attitudes about owning is spurring the co-housing movement.
CommentaryThe news bubble around Vladimir PutinWhat we tell others can end up convincing us as well. The Russian leader has created a modern, Russia-centric news machine that puts forth his view of the world. Is he deceiving himself?
CommentaryWhat our freedom demandsIn the fight against heroin and other addictive substances, the slippery slope of self-gratification is too often overlooked and the need for self-control too often minimized.
CommentaryThe never-ending energy transitionEverything goes in the world of energy. 聽We鈥檙e splitting atoms, wood, and hydrocarbons; tapping the heat of the planet and harnessing its wind and waves. We're harvesting sunshine, squeezing fuel out of corn and sugar cane, and fracturing shale. No one technology looks like it will carry the day.
CommentaryAn appetite larger than EarthFor most of history, humans struggled to survive in the natural world. Today, the very success of the human race has put nature under severe stress. Now it is up to humans to help.
CommentaryToward a global collaborationThe Internet is more than cat videos. It was born with the promise of making us all smarter by connecting smart people everywhere. Guess what? It is actually doing that. Look at the case of prodigies discovered in the far corners of the globe.
CommentaryPeople constantly adapt. So do their beliefs.Like 海角大神s, Italians, Ohioians, and any other group of Americans, Muslims in America vary dramatically in how they apply what they believe to their lives.聽
CommentaryWe're learning smarter ways to helpIn a disaster, humans rush to help. May they ever do so. But when rescue turns to recovery turns to rebuilding, there are smarter ways to offer a hand up without making it a hand out.
CommentarySochi Olympics: What true heroism meansWhile it's fun to marvel at the physical and mental excellence on display in the Olympics, it is important to remember that democracy and freedom require not just a few heroes, stars, and celebrities but the committed participation of everyone.
CommentaryThe presidency: A job shapes a jobholderIn the sixth year of his presidency, Barack Obama's 'hope and change' slogan is a fading memory. His best option now may be to keep calm and carry on.
CommentaryRestoring America's productive humThe new chair of the Federal Reserve knows that Job 1 is jobs. Being out of work is individually and collectively debilitating. Gainful employment is good for everybody.
CommentaryPlanet polar: The lure of Earth's endsEarth's two poles are remote and dangerous. But they have what no nearby planet has: water, air, and abundant natural and biological resources. That makes these frigid regions hot.
CommentarySeeing the news from the ground upThe spotlight of news usually falls on big, important issues -- "the rise of China," "the war on terror," "political conflict in Washington." But reporters gathering that news often find meaning in one-to-one relationships and small-scale incidents they encounter on the job. That's news too.
CommentaryIran: a door opensIran's culture is deep. Its people are complex. Its doors have for too long shut out the rest of the world. A Monitor reporter who returned to Iran after being barred for more than four years found Iranians eager to talk.
CommentaryFaith matters for Middle East 海角大神sAny religious movement encounters resistance. That is, of course, true of 海角大神ity, which was born in the always-conflicted Middle East. The dire circumstances of Middle East 海角大神s in the 21st century has brought them back to the fundamental faith of the first 海角大神s.
CommentarySurfacing problems to solve themIs it better to bring sunlight to a disturbing issue to draw attention to it? Or is there a risk of fear-mongering -- or even enabling copy-cats? Nowhere is that tension more pronounced than with news of a teen suicide.