All The Monitor's View
For those who paint dark futures, the past offers a different paletteNearly half of Americans see no hope of a better future, a mood that politicians easily prey on. Yet new books by scholars comb history to show why progress in ideas marches on.
A hard lesson for China鈥檚 soft powerAn election in Hong Kong shows how much Beijing must improve on being a power known for attractive ideals, not its coercion of others.
Poor democracies that aren't poor in demanding honestyIn ousting a president who symbolized a corrupt elite, Brazil joins many other developing nations whose citizens have demanded honesty in elected government. Brazil can take lessons from anti-graft successes in India, Indonesia, and Nigeria.
Goodnight, pre-K gapA study pops an inequality myth in finding American kids are not only better prepared for early schooling but those from lower-income or minority homes saw a reduced gap with white kids. One probable cause: better qualities of character.
Iraq鈥檚 opportunity in the battle for MosulAs Iraq prepares to retake its second-largest city from Islamic State, it can use the expected victory to renew efforts to restore an historic harmony between Sunnis and Shiites.
Europe鈥檚 post-Brexit identity searchA Sept. 16 summit of the remaining EU leaders must start a deep search for what binds the European Union other than economic convenience and preventing war and atrocities.聽
Britain鈥檚 audit of injusticeA society鈥檚 first step to reduce inequality is to make sure government provides services without bigotry. Britain鈥檚 new prime minister is trying a novel approach: an audit of government injustice.
How humility won Colombia鈥檚 peace dealAs Colombians prepare to vote on a carefully crafted peace proposal that would end a long war, they must remember how each side in the talks had to learn humility, helped along by a focus on those who suffered most in the war.
Muslims and Europe, swimming chic by chicBans in France on wearing 鈥榖urkini鈥� swimwear only alienates Muslims. Europe must find better ways to encourage integration, not feed into Islamic State鈥檚 playbook.
A jihadist鈥檚 cultural redemptionA former leader in an Al Qaeda affiliate admits guilt 鈥� and regret 鈥� in a world court for destroying ancient artifacts in Timbuktu, Mali. His advice to jihadists: Save all of humanity鈥檚 cherished culture rather than destroy it.
Pulling kids from war鈥檚 rubbleGlobal reaction to children in conflicts 鈥� as soldiers, refugees, or among the injured 鈥� has improved as more nations presume innocence for the youngest and most vulnerable.
A new approach to ending terrorismIn a TV speech, Morocco鈥檚 king appeals to the millions of Moroccans living in the West to counter the false arguments of Islamic State that might appeal to disaffected young Muslims and lead them to violent acts.
Fishing for peace in Asian watersA court ruling against China鈥檚 claims on islands has helped fuel military tensions in Asia. To get off the path to conflict, the region must pursue its common interests, starting with fisheries.
Kids today, what do they know? Turns out, a lotFewer young people are engaging in risky behavior than only a quarter century ago. Why this moral shift in the next generation?
Who says voters are 鈥榩olarized鈥�?A study of voters who read news articles about political polarization finds they tend to soften their views. Democracy relies less on division than a respect among fellow citizens.
Refugee team adds luster to the Olympic idealTen athletes forced to flee their homelands have sent an inspiring message to the world
Feeding and clothing ourselves wiselyHuge amounts of water, chemicals, and fuel are used to produce food and clothing. Finding new ways to make better use of what has already been grown or manufactured conserves these precious resources.
Stepping up against religious intoleranceA State Department report says governments are tightening laws on religious observance. But it also notes encouraging cases where members of one religion have protected those of another.
Muslim-American women step forwardA rising Minnesota politician and a fencer at the Rio Olympics are changing public perceptions.
The National Parks at 100Americans agree that these special places hold immense value. But how to pay to preserve them remains a challenge.