All The Monitor's View
Honesty鈥檚 force in a global drive against corruptionAttempts to measure the effects of corruption on an economy are welcome. But as people in more countries demand accountable government, a focus should also be put on measuring levels of honesty 鈥� to uphold models.
Thanksgiving lessons for the Syrian refugee debateAfter the Paris attacks, Americans are divided on Obama鈥檚 plan to let in 10,000 Syrian refugees. The timing is good: Thanksgiving can shed light on how much the nation鈥檚 tradition of hospitality should influence this decision.
EU鈥檚 preemptive move on African migrationWhile debate rages in Europe over Syrian refugees, the EU starts to build consensus on immigration by offering aid to Africa to prevent migration. All the better to tackle root causes than symptoms.
After Paris, a global resolve to dispel Islamic State鈥檚 darknessThe Islamic State attacks in Paris bring sorrow and prayers, yet also a chance for sustained global unity in supplanting the false allure of a violent caliphate with hope for troubled Muslim youth and nations.
DraftKings vs. the joy of athleticsNew York鈥檚 crackdown on fantasy-sports gambling sites like DraftKings reflects a desire to retain the purity and joy of athletics. Too many nonsport interests, from betting to drugs, infringe on the virtues of sports.
Why the world鈥檚 most generous country may yet be democraticMyanmar was declared the most generous country just two days after an election moved it closer to democracy. A spirit of egalitarian giving lies behind its steady progress toward freedom.
Russia鈥檚 sports doping scandal: Why this one may be differentA report on Russia鈥檚 drug-fueled cheating in sports comes as the International Olympic Committee realizes it must put an emphasis on 鈥榗lean athletes,鈥� not just trying to catch the minority of athletes who cheat.
A quiet revolution in Venezuela鈥檚 regimeA prosecutor who put away Venezuela鈥檚 most popular opposition figure has come clean on his role in the sham trial. His defection might turn a key election and be a model for those working in any authoritarian regime.
Romania鈥檚 turn at cleaning up governmentReflecting a global trend in anti-corruption protests, Romanians oust a prime minister, demonstrating an embrace of equality before the law.
China鈥檚 handshake with Taiwan: A dragon lies down with a lambA historic summit between the presidents of Taiwan and China may be Beijing鈥檚 recognition that the Taiwanese prefer civic principles like freedom over ethnic or cultural ties.
A Japan-South Korea healing momentAn unexpected summit on Monday suggests each country is ready to resolve issues about the past in order to deal with current challenges in Asia together.
Anchors for rule of law on the high seasTwo actions in October may push Beijing to accept universal rules in maritime law: a UN court鈥檚 decision favoring the Philippines鈥� claim to islets taken by China and the transit of a US warship near a reef built up by the Chinese.
Ryan expressed: the new US Speaker's healing wordsIn his inaugural speech as Speaker of the US House, Rep. Paul Ryan reminds legislators and all Americans what it takes to bring about 鈥榖oundless ... good.鈥�
In Turkey vote, a window on common identityA Nov. 1 election may confirm a trend seen in a June vote that Turkey may be joining those democracies finding unity on civic values. Will membership in the European Union follow?
An exemplary way to defeat Islamic StateThe war on Islamic State may not be won with military might or theological arguments but by providing role models for young Muslims seeking purpose and belonging. This would dry up the group鈥檚 recruitment stream.
Indonesia鈥檚 promised 鈥榤ental revolution鈥� for honest governanceOne year into Joko Widodo鈥檚 presidency, his campaign hope for Indonesians to think differently about corruption needs help 鈥� from the people.
China鈥檚 reach for sage adviceAs the Communist Party launches its next five-year economic plan, it also seeks ancient Chinese virtues to restore morality in the party and society. In a new book, a leading ethicist explains what the party should do.
Of democracy saviors and the peopleA critical Nov. 8 election in Myanmar will provide a lesson for the world: that hopes for democracy should not be tied to one person (Aung San Suu Kyi) but should be embedded in the people and their demands for basic rights.
California鈥檚 useful model in water thriftAs global talks heat up on a climate-change pact, models are needed on collective action to deal with environmental problems. California鈥檚 response to a record drought may be one.
Welcome the 鈥榞ift economy鈥�The sharing economy, driven by commercial platforms such as Uber, has also spurred new forms of charitable giving and free giveaways. A new mix of charity, consumption, and community defines its own economy.