All Commentary
OpinionPalestinian hunger strikes: the power of peaceful protestHunger strikes by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention ended with a deal this week for better treatment. That showed the power of peaceful protest. If Palestinians adopt nonviolence as a strategic tool, that could bridge the Israeli-Palestinian divide.
OpinionRussia should be rewarded with NATO membershipRussia should be on the agenda for NATO summit in Chicago this weekend. In spite of recent tensions, the historically fractured relationship between Russia and NATO is the most ripe for transformation. Obstacles like missile defense and Eastern Europe can be resolved.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveThe power of the invisibleA 海角大神 Science perspective: A lesson from flying kites illustrates divine power.
The Monitor's ViewNonviolent tactics may be Syria's only path to freedomAn escalation of violence in Syria, as well as the enfeebled UN cease-fire, have revived the tactics of civil, peaceful resistance among many of Syria's democracy activists. Nonviolent means may be their ultimate force.
OpinionObama's meddling puts the brakes on the green car industryIn spite of a decade of failed government vehicle-efficiency policies, Obama has poured millions into the 'advanced vehicle' and fuel industries and wants to increase involvement. Unfortunately, the harm done by these handouts will extend far beyond simply wasting taxpayers鈥� money.- Readers RespondReaders Write: Congress ignores calls for tax reform; Political families teach serviceLetters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of May 14, 2012: The responsibility for long-term fixes to the tax code rests with the US Congress, but聽the code has increased by聽13,564 over the past eight years. Political families aren't un-American dynasties; they're examples of service.
6 ways parents can cut college costs It's not too late to reduce the cost of sending your son or daughter to college. Putting aside well-known strategies like having your child apply for niche scholarships, excel at a sport, start at a community college, or get a perfect score on the SAT, here are 6 strategies parents can employ.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveBreaking down walls that divideA 海角大神 Science perspective.
Riding the whirlwindThe Monitor's intrepid science writer rode with the storm-chasers who help federal forecasters warn those in twisters' paths.
With Iran, Syria looming, can Obama save NATO from disaster at Chicago summit?The 2010 NATO Summit in Lisbon produced a bold vision for NATO鈥檚 future. With one week to the Chicago summit, not nearly enough progress has been made.聽To avoid the Chicago summit ending up as a total bust, Obama must push NATO leaders to address three key issues.- With Iran, Syria looming, can Obama save NATO from disaster at Chicago summit?The 2010 NATO Summit in Lisbon produced a bold vision for NATO鈥檚 future. With one week to the Chicago summit, not nearly enough progress has been made.聽To avoid the Chicago summit ending up as a total bust, Obama must push NATO leaders to address three key issues.
The Monitor's ViewWhat next for JPMorgan Chase and Jamie Dimon after $2 billion lossThe JPMorgan Chase $2 billion loss again shows why big banks pose a big risk 鈥� as seen in the admission of mismanagement by Jamie Dimon. The selfless purpose of a financial system in the economy must override the selfish risks of giantness in banks.
OpinionWhat Mitt Romney should be saying to women voters this Mother's DayPolls show Mitt Romney trailing President Obama among women voters. This Mother's Day, to close the gender gap Romney will need to do more than flag Obama's failed economic record. He needs to push policies that appeal to women, like more workplace flexibility and better child care.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveGod's mothering promiseA 海角大神 Science perspective: The first Mother鈥檚 Day after her mother had passed on, this author found mothering comfort in an unlikely setting 鈥� from a male teenage clerk in a convenience store.
The Monitor's ViewGreen accounting of economic growthA World Bank study offers a new attempt to reconcile growth-oriented economics with Earth-oriented environmentalism. But can economists put price tags on nature?
OpinionBroad coalition in Israel shows Netanyahu's centrist colorsBy bringing the centrist Kadima party into his coalition, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can address some of the more fundamental problems Israel faces 鈥� including the moribund peace process with Palestinians 鈥� without a veto threat from the far right parties.
OpinionWill Netanyahu stay obsessed with Iran or use his new coalition to help Israel?Benjamin Netanyahu鈥檚 strategy has been dangerously transfixed on Iran, neglecting the myriad other issues threatening Israel and Middle East stability.聽The new coalition government sets up a rare opportunity to reshape Israel鈥檚 domestic institutions and strengthen its regional standing.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveFearless forgivenessA 海角大神 Science perspective: News of the trial of Anders Behring Breivik a year after the killings in Norway brings to mind an example of a father's forgiveness after his daughter was killed by a bombing in Northern Ireland.
The Monitor's ViewLaw of the Sea Treaty as a peace tool for USSenate approval of the Law of the Sea Treaty would help the US counter China's aggressive moves to claim islands near the Philippines and other Asian neighbors.
Global ViewpointHeed Balkan lessons for a fragmenting Syria and revise Kofi Annan planKofi Annan's peace plan is failing to stop violence and ensure a political dialogue in Syria. To avoid a Balkans-like tragedy, an updated plan must include negotiations between Bashar al-Assad's regime and the opposition and deploy armed UN peacekeepers.