All The Monitor's View
Sifting fact from fiction in the Iran warPerhaps no other conflict has seen so much digital misinformation. Yet people on all sides of the conflict still have the capacity to discern the truth.
How Ukraine鈥檚 strength has uplifted EuropeFour years of Russian aggression have shown that the EU鈥檚 values are not abstract but are tangible assets for aiding Ukraine and driving the bloc鈥檚 unity.
Iran鈥檚 moment to define itselfA possible end to the Islamic Republic has opened a contest of ideas for national identity. Might ethnic minorities fight for an inclusive, free democracy?
France to Europe: deterrence with a dash of self-reliancePresident Macron鈥檚 plan to extend nuclear defenses to other countries is a new step in the continent鈥檚 commitment to cooperation. A stronger, more self-sufficient Europe can further democratic values, too.
A test for world order in IranDespite big questions over the American and Israeli attacks on Iran, it is now up to Iranians to determine their liberty 鈥� and restore faith in the essence of the fading international order.
Norway鈥檚 model of athletic joy 鈥� and successThe Scandinavian country鈥檚 record-setting Winter Olympics 鈥� and expected wins at the coming Paralympics 鈥� highlight its unique approach to developing sports talent: focus on fun and variety more than winning and early specialization.
New nudges to build a nest eggDonald Trump is the latest president with a plan to tap bipartisan consensus on helping low-income Americans better invest in tax-deferred savings and leveling the playing field in creating financial freedom in retirement.
Testing a different style of diplomacyTwo U.S. envoys are leading negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war and prevent a U.S.-Iran conflict. Their 鈥渙utsider鈥� skills and close ties to President Donald Trump may offer an unorthodox path to bringing peace closer.
Iranians defy death with dancingFunerals for the thousands of protesters killed last month reveal a shift toward a celebration of life and eternity, in defiance of a regime that brutally clings to power.
Why Congress is the 鈥榬eal voice鈥� of citizensThe U.S. Supreme Court ruling on global tariffs, and the views of the Founding Fathers, highlight the value of elected representatives engaging in lawmaking processes that involve 鈥渃ool and deliberate reflection.鈥�
American redemption, post EpsteinBoth the sex-abuse scandal and the slow response to it have driven up public distrust. Yet even as institutions associated with the late financier make reforms, it is individuals who can help spark a moral rebirth.
Peru鈥檚 pillars for a civic rebuildPeruvians have lived through a decade of considerable political instability and multiple corruption scandals. But their democratic reflex endures. A stable economy and coming elections point to new possibilities for this Latin American nation.
Who holds Trump accountable for Gaza鈥檚 future?The new Board of Peace, while endorsed by the United Nations, is part of an emerging state-centric world order in which leaders, in theory, must answer to their citizens.
Pupil power: Why the US South is seeing education gainsStudies in 2025 pointed to declining achievement in foundational reading and math skills among American students. But four states in the South are demonstrating that high standards and elevated expectations can raise performance, despite scarce resources.
A civics upskilling for Americans amid 250th celebrationsThe nation鈥檚 independence anniversary, coming amid high polarization, has focused attention on how students 鈥� and adults 鈥� learn the basic civics of self-governance.
A new climate norm: Less carbon, continued growthRomania is the latest democracy to demonstrate that a country can reduce pollution without reducing economic growth 鈥� or using restrictive governance. When political systems enable innovation and accountability, citizens benefit.聽
Asia鈥檚 models in fighting graftEven as corruption rises in much of the world, at least eight countries in Asia have shown some progress in tackling it. Bangladesh鈥檚 election may be an example.
Ukraine embraces a war anniversaryIts people find spiritual strength in commemorating Feb. 24, the date of Russia鈥檚 full-scale invasion four years ago. One new addition: A day of prayer.
Japan votes on a new model of leaderYoung voters are drawn to a selfless, funny, and plain-spoken woman who has already broken taboos as Japan鈥檚 first female prime minister.
Lifelines amid a deepfake floodAI is allowing people to produce and share highly manipulated, often sexualized, imagery. Governments, tech leaders, and citizens are being called to rebalance core freedoms and protection from harm.