All Commentary
OpinionWhy Israel shrugs at retaliation after attack on IranThe threat of a simultaneous war with Iran's proxies 鈥� Hezbollah, Syria, and Gaza militants 鈥� is a key consideration for Israel as it weighs an attack on Iran. But Iran鈥檚 allies may not be as keen about going to war for the ayatollahs as Tehran would like, and the Israelis know it.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveThe transforming power of divine lightA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewRomney, Obama must call a truce on nasty campaigningAs mudslinging escalates, voters will use new digital tools to avoid campaign ads. Romney and Obama can agree to keep negativity in check.
OpinionWhy the world can't tolerate a preemptive Israeli attack on IranUnder the UN Charter, neither Israel nor the US would have a legal right to preemptively launch a military attack on Iran. Do we want a world in which leaders are free to launch military attacks on other countries simply on an assumption of hostile intent and military capacity?- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveSpoiler alert!A 海角大神 Science perspective: This article contains information about the outcome of your life that may indeed be valuable 鈥� even if you'd rather be surprised.
The Monitor's ViewPut a light on Europe's shadow economyThe euro crisis stems in part from countries like Greece not collecting taxes on a sizeable 'shadow' economy. These off-the-book activities need to be brought into the light of legal, taxable commerce.
OpinionBack to school 鈥� and new common standards?So far, 47 states have signed on to the 'common core state standards' launched by the National Governors Association in 2009. The standards ensure uniformity in what's taught in every classroom nationwide. But we need follow-through at the local level. Here's what you can do.
8 steps to US energy security If Americans are serious about making energy security a moon shot for this generation, the president and Congress must create an integrated rather than piecemeal approach for meeting this goal.Here's a plan to consider.鈥� Steve Yetiv, August 15, 2012- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveJournalists' role in truth-tellingA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewEgypt's Morsi puts military on right side of historyThe elected president, Mohamed Morsi, purged the top brass that had constrained his authority. With civilian rule asserted, Morsi's own Muslim Brotherhood must now also bend to popular will and not use the state to hold onto power.
OpinionAmerica's young 2012 Olympians are its futureGymnast Gabby Douglas, runner Galen Rupp, the women's 400-meter relay team: America got a clear glimpse of its bright future at the 2012 Olympics as 'Millennial Generation' Olympians exhibited their unique take on the country鈥檚 traditional pride, diversity, and can-do spirit.
OpinionPakistan Independence Day 鈥� not reallyThe founder of Pakistan, which today celebrates Independence Day, believed in the separation of mosque and state. He would not recognize his country now. Blasphemy laws silence religious expression. On a visit, I was often reminded to lower my voice 'lest the servants hear you.'- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveThe source of compassion in the wake of mass shootingsA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewHow Paul Ryan pick by Romney can alter campaignPaul Ryan was picked by Romney in part for his bold reform plan for Medicare. The plan's key element is more choice in health care 鈥� a useful debating point for the presidential campaign.
OpinionPaul Ryan 鈥� the anti-PalinPaul Ryan is almost as bold a choice as Sarah Palin for the Republican vice presidential pick. With Palin, the question was whether she read books. With Ryan, the question is which (he's a fan of 眉ber capitalist author Ayn Rand). Ryan's political philosophy merits debate.
Teachers who excel: A lesson from Miss SmootNothing is more important in K-12 education than the quality of a teacher. But how do we make great teachers? We could start with someone like Jane Smoot.
OpinionThis Shark Week, let's love an animal that scares usAs Shark Week appears on the Discovery Channel for the 25th year, I have to wonder whether in another 25 years, it will air on The History Channel instead. After more than 400 million years on planet Earth, sharks are being decimated by overfishing and the lucrative trade in shark fins.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveA way out of griefA 海角大神 Science perspective.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Lamar Smith is wrong. Obama's immigration policy isn't amnesty.Letters to the Editor for the August 13, 2012 weekly print issue: Rep. Lamar Smith (R) of Texas mischaracterizes President Obama's recent decision to put a low priority on the deportation of some young illegal immigrants who were brought to the US as children. His op-ed is misleading.
OpinionRomney's pick of Paul Ryan: Let the debate over substance beginThe presidential race has so far been shamefully dismissive of substance. With his pick of聽 House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan as his vice presidential running mate, Republican Mitt Romney presents voters with a clear choice over the role of government and how to pay for it.