All The Monitor's View
Kneeling and shady dealing in sportsThe NFL and NCAA face controversies, one over whether to engage with social issues, the other about a threat to the very idea of amateurism in sports. But both have the potential to result in progress for society.
'People power' for rule of law in the PhilippinesThe president鈥檚 use of extrajudicial killings of drug users has sparked popular resistance among those who prefer rule of law and presumption of innocence.
One big reason ISIS lost the capital of its caliphateIslamic State鈥檚 defeat in Raqqa was aided by the silent defiance of the city鈥檚 Muslims, who held fast to the liberty of conscience in religious belief.聽
The battle of Kirkuk as a lesson on 鈥榮elf determination鈥�When Iraqi forces swept into the Kurdish-held city Oct. 16, they revealed the internal divisions among Kurds, and the challenges for many secession movements.
The big hope behind the Iranian nuclear pactAs Trump punts a decision about the deal to Congress, Americans can look to trends among Iranians that might support the 2015 pact.
After a steelmaker鈥檚 deception, steps to restore trustA maker of vital metal products worldwide, Kobe Steel comes clean on making shoddy materials. Its corrective moves may help reverse a global decline in trust of companies.聽
Latin America鈥檚 anti-graft earthquakeMexico鈥檚 recent earthquake not only revealed corrupt building practices but stirred new campaigns for accountability. It is yet another example of a regional awareness that corruption need not be the norm.
Liberating child soldiers as a path to peaceThe UN reports progress in getting armed groups to end recruitment of children as soldiers. Such success often brings a side benefit: It can open a door for peace talks. 聽
A Nobel that awards a deeper view of human behaviorThis year鈥檚 Nobel Prize for economics went to an American who challenged old theories about selfish interests driving prosperity. His work opens the potential for greater insights on the role of character in economics.
Welcome the world鈥檚 newest welcome matDespite its own poverty, Bangladesh has allowed in more than 500,000 Muslim Rohingya from Myanmar in what is the world鈥檚 most urgent refugee crisis. It joins a list of a few other countries with a generosity toward strangers in need.
Here鈥檚 a seed of hope for storm-struck Puerto RicoSome places devastated by catastrophic storms learn to reinvent themselves, not merely recover. Puerto Ricans can look to one Kansas town leveled by a tornado.
Take the gun debate to a shared levelWill another mass shooting alter the debate over gun laws? Not unless both sides deal with a common fear of gun violence and admit a mutual desire for community safety.
Can the Supreme Court define political communities?A court case on partisan gerrymandering will test if the justices want the courts, rather than voters, to define the identity of voting districts.
The real lights of Vegas must shine onThose tales of poise, sacrifice, and compassion after the Oct. 1 shooting are a necessary antidote. Americans must not mirror the evil motives behind mass violence.
The start-ups in an upstart US economyThe US rose in a global ranking on competitiveness, in part because its innovation 鈥榚cosystem鈥� lessens fears for entrepreneurs.
A different approach to curbing atrocitiesThe UN focus on Myanmar鈥檚 atrocities toward the Rohingya may need a new approach, one that speaks to the 鈥榦rdinary virtues鈥� of the country鈥檚 majority.
Saudi Arabia hands women the keysAllowing women to drive cars signals the kingdom鈥檚 wider desire for an innovative, knowledge-based economy. Placing limits on women is not the road to such a goal.
An artistic lift after disastersPerformers and other artists rose to the occasion after recent hurricanes and other recent tragedies. The arts can play a crucial role in healing a community of fear and trauma.
Why elections in Europe spring a surpriseGermany follows France in holding an election in which voters showed a new independence from the main parties and seem to seek a different political identity.
Why the Supreme Court is rarely in the dockA new poll suggests why Americans put more trust in the high court than in the other branches. Even as the justices take on difficult cases, their role is seen as essential in applying the highest ideals to individuals and society.