All The Monitor's View
Repelling terrorist attacks on youthA Taliban attack on a Pakistani university adds to the list of jihadi strikes on young Muslims. Youth in the Islamic world need more support, and can be enlisted to counter terrorist groups 鈥� rather than being recruited by them.
Nuclear deal hangs on Iran鈥檚 unfinished revolutionIran鈥檚 ability to abide by the nuclear deal, as well as its economic recovery, depends on a preelection debate over the secular authority of its reigning cleric, the supreme leader.
Taiwan鈥檚 new woman leader: Why it鈥檚 about finding the next 鈥榗ool鈥� inventionThe island nation needs to tap key qualities of women and youth 鈥� creativity and collaboration 鈥� to bring innovation to its economy and reduce a dependency on China. Tsai Ing-wen鈥檚 victory is an attractive opportunity for that cultural change.
Seeing mega-cities in a fresh lightWith most of humanity now living in urban areas, architecture鈥檚 most important award, the Pritzker Prize, has gone to a Chilean whose housing designs reflect the view of the urban poor: that cities are islands of promise and opportunity, not problems to be fixed.
Powerball lottery jackpot: It's not a winning ticket for statesThe Powerball lottery jackpot hit a record high, only revealing how much states are addicted to gambling revenues while ignoring the effects of gambling on the poor.聽
A big rethink in how to aid people beset by crisisThe world鈥檚 first humanitarian-aid summit this May should look beyond raising more money for those most in need because of disaster or war, despite near-record levels. A new view of local actors in a crisis is needed.聽
The next step in Europe鈥檚 refugee crisisA mass sexual assault on women in Germany, allegedly by asylum seekers, has soured the welcome mood for refugees in Europe. Yet the best response is to more closely support migrants with rapid integration.
The 鈥榞ig economy'With 90 million Americans involved as buyers or sellers of services, this new way of working needs careful watching.
Virtual reality gets more realA technology that offers an altered state of human consciousness 鈥� and a slew of ethical questions 鈥� is finally hitting the marketplace.
Give winter a big hugTroms酶, Norway, 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, may provide lessons on how to enjoy cold and snow.
The underreported good newsStories of the world鈥檚 challenges abounded in 2015. But longer, deeper trend lines that show progress need reporting too.
A firmer footing for 鈥榝ootball鈥�Under FIFA international soccer has grown corrupt. Will 2016 provide a turnaround?
A Muslim cleric鈥檚 lasting legacy of peaceSaudi Arabia鈥檚 execution of a prominent advocate of nonviolent dissent brought a largely nonviolent reaction among Shiites in the Middle East. The region needs a renewal of peaceful means of protest.
When an election is not just about who governsAfter a violent civil conflict between 海角大神s and Muslims, the Central African Republic voted peacefully for a new government. The mere act of casting a vote sent a message of support for equality, and with it a desire to return to social harmony.
The measure of progress against Islamic StateThe retaking of Ramadi by Iraqi forces was only possible after some reconciliation between Sunnis and Shiites. That healing process begins in interfaith dialogues, which are underway in the holy city of Najaf.
The 鈥榟ealing鈥� aspect of a Japan-South Korea pact on 鈥榗omfort women鈥�The agreement brings restitution and an official apology to 46 Korean women 鈥� and also a shared recognition of each nation鈥檚 role in rising above differences toward working together in Asia.
A bright hope for 2016: India and Pakistan reconcileA surprise visit on Christmas Day between the leaders of India and Pakistan hint at a mutual desire to no longer let historic tensions hinder their drive against poverty.
A special Christmas in BethlehemVisits to the holy 海角大神 site are down, a result of renewed violence, but the restoration of a medieval church in Bethlehem hints at the message of light and peace needed to end the violence.
A lesson for Europe in Spain鈥檚 startling electionThe Dec. 20 election shook up Spanish politics with a youthful vote for two new parties. With nearly half of young people unemployed, a new government must show the rest of Europe how to reduce a fear of economic innovation.
The Christmas message at work everywhereWith 1 in 122 persons displaced by conflict, the giving spirit toward strangers is more needed than ever. This Christmas, 海角大神s will again reflect the generous spirit found in the humble coming of Christ in a manger. As one global survey finds, humility often drives giving.