All Commentary
The Monitor's ViewSelf-immolation as protest tactic rises in Tibet, Middle EastPolitical suicides by fire rise among many Tibetans and Arabs as their situations grow desperate. But such a tactic often fails to ignite protest, and itself raises questions.
OpinionBiggest loser in South Carolina isn't Santorum. It's evangelical leadership.Evangelical leaders endorsed Rick Santorum ahead of the South Carolina primary, but evangelical voters didn't listen 鈥� pushing Newt Gingrich to victory instead. This departure marks a dramatic shift in the movement 鈥� with far-reaching implications for American politics.
Global ViewpointRise of the dragon: China isn't censoring the Internet. It's making it work.Beijing recently strengthened Internet regulations, particularly on the popular microblogging site Weibo. Critics warn that more government monitoring and self-censorship by hosting companies further violates freedom of expression. The reality is far more complicated.- Global ViewpointRise of the dragon: China isn't censoring the Internet. It's making it work.Beijing recently strengthened Internet regulations, particularly on the popular microblogging site Weibo. Critics warn that more government monitoring and self-censorship by hosting companies further violates freedom of expression. The reality is far more complicated.
Why play's the thingWhile discipline and practice are crucial in life, we need play time to let creativity bloom, to imagine the impossible, to ask the 'what if' questions.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveFinding your childlike heartA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewOne year after Egypt's revolution, dictators on the defensiveOn the one-year anniversary of Egypt's uprising, the world is less free because dictators reacted to the Arab Spring. But at least now they are on notice, forcing the issue of democracy.
OpinionLike Obama? Vote for Gingrich.In most states, unaffiliated voters can vote in either party鈥檚 primary, and in some cases, partisans can cross party lines to vote in the other party鈥檚 primary. In these states, Obama supporters should 鈥� for strategic reasons 鈥� show up and vote for Newt Gingrich in the Republican primary.
OpinionEuropean debt crisis: Germany's fight against KeynesThe European debt crisis provides Germany the opportunity to preach its disciplined approach to monetary policy. Should it succeed in remaking Europe in its monetary image, Europe will prosper. Those who follow the Anglo-American model of Keynsian loose money must fall in line.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveYour deserved restA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewEight reasons to hit 'mute' during TV ads by super PACsFirst Iowa, now South Carolina, have seen the first wave of political TV ads from super PACs 鈥� mostly negative 鈥� that will smother the 2012 elections. Voters have an easy way to avoid such ads.
5 reasons US must avoid war with Iran Do the drumbeaters calling for 鈥榳ar with Iran鈥� never learn from history? It is tempting to dismiss their hot air as an attempt to score political points, but its sheer volume is worrying. Two former US hostages in Iran, L. Bruce Laingen and John Limbert, say Obama must ignore the war talk, and offer five key points for Washington to keep in mind.
OpinionHow Obama can slash defense budget: Cut unnecessary nuclear weapons programsIn order to reach its goal of at least $480 billion in Pentagon savings over the next decade, the Obama administration must scale back previous schemes for a new generation of strategic nuclear weapons delivery systems.
Europe's debt crisis: 5 ways it's been put to good use Europe鈥檚 debt crisis has roiled financial markets and populations. But beyond nationwide strikes and gyrating markets, Europe has put its crisis to good use. Here Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, a research fellow at the Peter G. Peterson Institute for International Economics points out five trends that will ultimately strengthen the European Union and the euro currency.
After Costa Concordia disaster: 8 safety tips for cruise ship passengers The recent cruise ship disaster in Italy has prompted travel industry experts to advise the public about safety steps they can take, not only aboard ships but also in hotels. When the Costa Concordia ran aground off the shore of Tuscany on Jan. 13, roughly 160 yards from the shore of Giglio Island, many of the more than 4,200 passengers and crew on board the ship were reportedly unprepared for the crisis and the evacuation that followed.Nancy Dunnan, publisher of TravelSmart Newsletter, urges cruise ship passengers to take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. She suggests the following:
OpinionSyria's quagmire points to eventual foreign interventionThe most realistic scenario in Syria is quagmire: Assad still has loyalty; the opposition is splintered, though protests continue; and the international community is indecisive, including the Arab League. But stalemate could finally prompt foreign intervention and a needed 'safe zone.'- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveDealing with colds and fluA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWeb protests over piracy bills while China slaps Internet curbsLegislation in Congress aims to curb Web theft of intellectual property while Beijing cracks down on bloggers. Both nations must weigh the cost to creativity that leads to innovation.
OpinionThe perfect storm: Three ways to thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions 鈥� short of warPartly by design and partly by happenstance, a three-pronged US strategy for checking Iran's nuclear program and the regime in Tehran is emerging: an unprecedented combination of sanctions, covert action, and a Syria-inspired protest movement within Iran.
OpinionCongress must pass law that allows former prisoners to voteAs the leader of a prison ministry, I strongly support the Democracy Restoration Act because I know that people can be redeemed. Yet for redemption to impact the nation, people must be restored to their communities, and restoration requires an opportunity 鈥� like voting.