All Commentary
OpinionIran and world powers should focus on action steps for short-term agreementAs Iran and the world powers prepare for the next round of talks in Kazakhstan on April 5-6, their focus should be on what is politically and logistically achievable at this stage 鈥� clear steps that will help address the immediate concerns of both sides.
OpinionLiberal hypocrisy on Bloomberg's moneyed fight for gun controlPresident Obama heads to Colorado today in his push for gun control 鈥� a cause NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg has spent millions to support. Liberals who usually oppose the influence of money in politics are now praising Bloomberg. Such hypocrisy undermines their cause.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveMaking a differenceA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewHow a Wal-Mart struggle in India shows world progressStung by a case of corruption in Mexico, Wal-Mart pushes its Indian associates to be squeaky clean. Such action shows the global effects of a US anti-corruption law.
Global ViewpointCan Latin America resist a return to its populist past?The interventionist role of the military has mostly disappeared in Latin America. But the temptation of populist politics is greater than ever in some countries, while others are resisting the short-term demands of voters in favor of the long-term sustainability of society. Here's a look at six countries.- Global ViewpointCan Latin America resist a return to its populist past?The interventionist role of the military has mostly disappeared in Latin America. But the temptation of populist politics is greater than ever in some countries, while others are resisting the short-term demands of voters in favor of the long-term sustainability of society. Here's a look at six countries.
OpinionEU should welcome Ukraine as a partner for Europe's own goodUkraine is important to Europe as a source of economic growth and energy security, as well as a bridge to Russia. Western interests and values are best served by engaging Ukraine as a solid European partner.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveRefugees in their own countryA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewAmid another North Korea storm, look who's calmSouth Koreans, unlike many around the world, don't react with fear to North Korea's verbal and nuclear threats. Why this wise reaction?
OpinionAre US drones ethical?Whether drones should be used in the US is the wrong question. Americans should be asking: Is it ethical to use drones anywhere?聽Is it fair to search for security for ourselves at the expense of perpetual insecurity for others?
OpinionThink you know the Reagan and Bush era? Think again.Political events in the era of Presidents Reagan and Bush senior have great relevance to today, from budget cuts ('sequestration') to President Obama's agenda. But this history is often remembered incorrectly, or not at all 鈥� to the detriment of America's political discourse.
A balance worth tippingConflict-prevention programs in schools aim to shift the view of students, to encourage them that there is something to live for, that life isn鈥檛 unfair, and that school is worth their time and attention.
Trees, meet forestNavigating an unfamiliar city is a breeze with turn-by-turn directions on Google Maps or other such applications. But are we losing the big-picture view of where we are going?- Readers RespondReaders Write: The tyranny of America's pro-gun majority; Do guns make us safer?Letters to the Editor for the April 1, 2013 weekly print issue:聽Those who want more gun regulation may be in the minority, and those who are anti-regulation in majority, but each must accommodate the other.聽If more guns means more safety, why does America 鈥� with the highest gun ownership rate in the world 鈥� have the second highest rate of gun deaths among industrialized nations?
- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveAffirmative action and the court of SpiritA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewIn Atlanta test-cheating scandal, a case for 'good apples'Indictments of 35 Atlanta educators in a test-cheating scandal may be shocking. But preventing such scandals requires a refocus on tapping the conscience of public servants to choose honesty.
OpinionIndia won't be 'the world's largest democracy' until it upholds human rightsTwenty-five years ago, India suspended part of its Constitution and launched a brutal campaign against Sikh separatists in its Punjab province. Today, India must provide reparations to the victims and vow to uphold human rights, especially in Kashmir and the northeast states.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveEaster's upliftA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWhen helping the poor doesn't helpIn a new study, the International Monetary Fund takes aim at energy subsidies, a common practice by countries to help the poor or benefit consumers and industry. The costs far outweigh any benefits, especially for the poor, finds the IMF.
OpinionSaudi Arabia vs. China: America can't play favorites with human rightsWhile the US has been quick to condemn human rights violations in China and rally behind persecuted activists there, President Obama has seemed hesitant to do the same with Saudi Arabia and its persecution of human rights activist聽Mohammad Fahad Al-Qahtani.