All Commentary
OpinionLong history of US school shootings means Obama is right, NRA is wrongGun advocates say the cause of mass-casualty school shootings isn't guns but eroding values. But America has a long history of school shootings. The toll is worse now because of the weapons available. President Obama and his allies in Congress are right to seek a ban on assault weapons.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveJoining hearts and hands in prayerA 海角大神 Science perspective: Reflections on the way forward after the shootings in Newtown, Conn.
The Monitor's ViewAfter French intervention in Mali against Islamist rebels, now what?The French military intervention in Mali against Islamist rebels does not need to be another Afghanistan. Containing rather than defeating Mali's violent jihadists should be the goal.
OpinionUS-Europe fight over airline emissions could help talks on climate changeWith a limited outlook for international climate negotiations, some hope can be found in a battle between the US and Europe over the regulation and taxation of airline emissions.聽An industry-level agreement could be a model for compromise on international climate policies.
OpinionHow I came to accept guns 鈥� to a pointI used to simply want guns gone. But then I met my fianc茅, a professional machinist who loves target shooting. Turns out, I'm a good shot, too.聽Chris has shown me there may be a compromise on gun control: Before you can buy a gun, you should have to be carefully licensed.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveLook for the open doorA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewHow to debate Obama's gun proposalsThis week, President Obama gives his post-Newtown proposals on gun regulations. But first, Washington must adjust the way it debates guns.
OpinionHow to keep talented teachers from leavingNew teachers face high-pressure demands, with little support, such that more than half leave the profession within the first five years. These teachers need to see opportunities for career advancement, better compensation, and meaningful evaluation and professional development.
OpinionFor US and Europe, governance by brinkmanshipThe US and Europe are handling their fiscal crises with political brinkmanship, resulting in piecemeal solutions. The US seems to have adopted German Chancellor Angel Merkel鈥檚 much maligned step-by-step approach to problem-solving. Politically, that may be the only choice.
A 海角大神 Science Perspective'Curiosity': good name for a Mars roverA 海角大神 Science perspective.
Hello Mars. Goodbye sci-fiSince the dawn of astronomy, the Red Planet has fascinated humans. For most of history, it's been just outside the range of human discovery, which made it ripe for the imagination. Now, with the Curiosity Rover's high-resolution photos and mobile science lab, Mars is joining our world.
OpinionHope for US economy: Young black men as entrepreneursYoung African American men, especially ex-offenders, face high obstacles to employment. That鈥檚 where entrepreneurship training comes in. If just 1 in 3 small businesses hired one employee, the US would be at full employment. Young men of color can be crucial to this progress.
OpinionWords for Congress to live by: Stop fighting, start fixingWe're part of a new group of 25 'problem-solvers' in Congress who want to put aside party labels and ideological battles and find common ground. Although we are both of different parties, we are finding areas of agreement because we are actively seeking them out.
The Monitor's ViewThree years since Haiti earthquake: Learning the art of listeningThe third anniversary of the 2010 Haiti earthquake brings sober lessons for aid groups. First lesson: Listen more to locals.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveIf disappointment sets inA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewHome truths in new mortgage rulesNew regulations on home mortgages from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will raise ethical standards and lower risks. But they don't reduce government incentives that might create another housing bubble.
OpinionThe beauty of a carbon tax 鈥� and its exemption for the poorTaxing greenhouse gas pollution through a carbon tax lets聽the market, not government, pick the winners. Big polluters like electrical power plants would be encouraged to use cleaner energy. And聽a simple tax exemption could lower the costs passed on to poor Americans.
OpinionWhat legal education could do for a resilient AfghanistanAmericans need a more complex, realistic picture of Afghanistan. Such a picture shows that US efforts to support education and the development of Afghan civil society should not be abandoned. It also shows that these initiatives may require patience and persistence.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveHome: an angel entertained unawaresA 海角大神 Science perspective: Finding a warm sense of home aboard a naval ship was difficult at first.
The Monitor's ViewCry for food in Syria may be opening for peaceThe UN warns it cannot feed some 1 million displaced Syrians, many in war zones with few bread supplies. A global response to this humanitarian crisis might help diffuse differences over political solutions.