All Commentary
Global ViewpointTurkey and Iran carve up a ruptured Arab worldMany analysts say the Middle East is the focus of a geopolitical power struggle between the United States and Iran. That misses the primary thread of events 鈥� namely, the ongoing soft partition of the Arab republics between Turkey and Iran, with Turkey the stronger power.
OpinionWhat does Play-Doh have to do with Plato? A mother's battle with the college essayMy son and I knew these admission essays were important. But the advice on the bookstore shelves overwhelmed us.聽For students hoping to meet the last few application deadlines: Forget high-priced college consultants and turn instead to the real experts, the essayists themselves.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveUnbreakable bondA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewObama military strategy: Is it bipartisan enough?President Obama needed a security strategy before asking for big budget cuts in defense. His plan from the Pentagon calls for America to take more risks, create a lean force, and focus on Asia. But he'll need buy-in from Congress to make it stick.
OpinionHow can it be? Student financial aid fuels increase in college tuition.When federal (and state) financial aid programs make money available to well-off students, it is in a college's interest to capture that aid and use it to 'improve' the college, thus driving up costs and tuition. Aid must be restructured so that more of it goes to needy students.
OpinionTaiwan elections: US must show respect for self-determinationAs Taiwan presidential elections approach Jan. 14, the US has shown a preference for incumbent Ma Ying-jeou 鈥� who says he can work with China. The US should set aside wishful thinking about unification and respect the right of Taiwanese to decide their own future.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveOur sleepless keeperA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewAnd the winner in Iowa is ... baby-kissing retail politicsSantorum's near-win over well-monied Romney is a victory for face-to-face campaigning 鈥� even democracy itself 鈥� as well as small-state presidential contests.
OpinionFrom an ex-CIA spy: US must exploit new split in Iran's Revolutionary GuardA serious split is developing within Iran鈥檚 powerful Revolutionary Guard. The West must leverage that split in support of regime change before the Islamic Republic successfully tests nuclear weapons.
OpinionObama must keep US military in Afghanistan to counter China, RussiaThe Obama administration must recognize that a total military withdrawal would have effects beyond Afghanistan's borders. It would devastate US interests 鈥� both political and economic 鈥� throughout Central Asia, a critical region where China and Russia now dominate.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveCreative ideas and the Mind that inspiresA 海角大神 Science perspective.
At the dawn of 2012: future imperfectPredictions are tough, said Yogi Berra, especially about the future. So when you finish reading all the forecasts for the new year, step back and remember: The world's not going to end.
The Monitor's ViewThe Syrian protesters' cry for helpArab nations and the West are closer to acting against the Assad regime 鈥� perhaps even militarily 鈥� to end the slaughter of pro-democracy protesters. The consequences of inaction are becoming worse than action.
OpinionWhen character counts in choosing a president'Private sins' usually matter far less than 'public virtues' in presidents. Whether in Iowa or New Hampshire, voters must weigh how Romney, Gingrich, or any other candidate has behaved in public life. Look for the qualities of courage, self-control, wisdom, and justice.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveClear the clutter: a New Year's resolutionA 海角大神 Science perspective.
OpinionIowa caucus and beyond: What's the role of government?As Iowans caucus and other states vote for a Republican nominee, one issue is the role of federal government. Iowans may be surprised to learn that they get back more in individual federal assistance than they pay in federal taxes. And it's similar elsewhere.- The Monitor's ViewSaving earth鈥檚 equipoiseWith continued abuse, the environment of this globe could get out of whack. And that would be rather disastrous for all of us who live here.
- The Monitor's ViewHarboring Hate