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OpinionWhy I'm giving up my gunsWhile Piers Morgan and Alex Jones were having a gun control debate on CNN, I was having my own internal debate. I am an avid hunter, but the tragedy in Newtown, Conn. made me realize that as a gun-owner, I am unwittingly abetting the narrative of American violence.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveRising above the frayA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWith Hagel at Defense, what would be America's 'special role'?America's historic identity as a people with a universal mission faces a new era in Obama's nomination of Chuck Hagel as defense secretary. Israel and even military cuts aren't the core issues. America's 'special role' is.
OpinionWhy Evangelicals are the new partners for immigration reformAdvocates for immigration reform should seek support from an unlikely source 鈥� evangelical 海角大神s. Their political agenda is broadening as Hispanic congregants 鈥� documented and undocumented 鈥� increase and pastors speak of immigration as a religious concern.
Global ViewpointHow Asia and China can revive the West's waning institutionsA world adrift desperately needs global thinkers, most of all from Asia. Singapore's Kishore Mahbubani fits the bill with his new book, in which he calls for a more robust UN, IMF, and WTO 鈥� led by the emerging global powers. Let鈥檚 hope his optimism about this revival is justified.- Global ViewpointHow Asia and China can revive the West's waning institutionsA world adrift desperately needs global thinkers, most of all from Asia. Singapore's Kishore Mahbubani fits the bill with his new book, in which he calls for a more robust UN, IMF, and WTO 鈥� led by the emerging global powers. Let鈥檚 hope his optimism about this revival is justified.
- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveWelcoming correctionA 海角大神 Science perspective: Being corrected, especially when it feels divinely impelled, can lead to a new birth, a fresh start.
The Monitor's ViewChina censorship protest as 'living in truth'Protests erupt following a strike by journalists at a Chinese newspaper whose editorial on free speech was censored. Unlike most other protests in China, this one is about living in the truth.
OpinionTo deter extremists in Syria, Obama must heed lessons of Kosovo interventionAs President Obama watches Islamic extremists gain power in the chaos of the Syrian uprising against the Bashar al-Assad regime, he should consider the precedent of the US intervention in Kosovo 鈥� where extremists have been kept at bay and democracy is growing.聽
OpinionIsrael's 'self-defense' argument against Hamas holds no waterIsrael's ceasefire with Hamas is holding, but unless Israel completely lifts its blockade and includes Hamas in two-state negotiations, renewed rocket attacks from Gaza are likely. Should that happen, Israel would not be justified in arguing self-defense.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveRape: how to help heal the hurt and stop the attacksA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewIn India rape protests, another public outbreak of moral conscienceProtests in India over a woman's rape and later death fit a new pattern of spontaneous, Internet-driven moral shock over a galling incident. From Tunisia to Russia to India, better-connected and urban people can more easily band together when their conscience is struck.
OpinionDon't listen to the Chicken Littles: Obama made smart investments in green techA few falling acorns (Solyndra and A123) don't mean the sky is falling on clean technology. Far from it.聽The federal government鈥檚 track record on supporting green energy tech is an enviable one. And this investment is聽improving America鈥檚 energy, economic, and environmental fortunes.
Global ViewpointIslam is not the problem in EgyptMany conclude that religion is causing turmoil in Egypt. Islam is not the problem.聽The turmoil comes聽from the gap between expectations of speedy change by those who made the 2011 revolution and the slow process of dismantling the old way of life while building a new society.- Global ViewpointIslam is not the problem in EgyptMany conclude that religion is causing turmoil in Egypt. Islam is not the problem.聽The turmoil comes聽from the gap between expectations of speedy change by those who made the 2011 revolution and the slow process of dismantling the old way of life while building a new society.
- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveYou have something to giveA 海角大神 Science perspective: If you think you're not creative enough or capable enough for the task you've been given to do, take heart. There is an answer.
The Monitor's ViewTaking choice out of personal healthAs more governments move to restrict personal choices as a way to cut costs, especially in health care, they can easily impinge on both liberty and alternative ideas about health.
OpinionWhy I'll be avoiding the sequel to the 'fiscal cliff' dramaI invested a great deal of time following the Fiscal Cliff Drama and its main characters, John Boehner and President Obama. But the great fight over taxes and spending cuts ended with a cop-out. There was no satisfying d茅nouement, and the ticking time-bomb turned out to be fake.
OpinionOutrage over India gang rape shows the power of human dignityThe gang rape and death of a young woman in India has ignited outrage at sexual violence against women and girls in India and at corrupt police. Reactions to dehumanization and humiliation can spur movements for political and social change, as seen in Egypt and Tunisia.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveIs this the right time for a move?A 海角大神 Science perspective.