All The Monitor's View
World soccer鈥檚 moment for reformUS indictments of FIFA officials is a welcome move to clean up the world鈥檚 most popular sport. Every dominant sports organization needs better integrity checks against a desire to make money over the need for fair and clean regulation of sport.
In Europe and now Asia, a search for 鈥榗ommon destiny鈥�China has adopted the EU鈥檚 slogan of 鈥榗ommon destiny鈥� for creating a Eurasian economy. Yet the EU鈥檚 many new woes call for redefining the core values, or identity, of its union.
When fishermen rescue migrants 鈥� and nationsIn Southeast Asia, acts of empathy by fishermen in saving refugees adrift at sea help soften the hard stance of Indonesia and Malaysia. They are fishers of both people and goodwill.
Nigeria's lesson in battling terroristsWith an election this past March and a new president taking power, Nigeria illustrates how a democracy stands up for its values against terrorist groups like Boko Haram.
Whistle while you work: Wall Street's culture of fingering fraudA new federal program of rewarding whistle-blowers in the financial industry is booming. And a survey shows industry insiders favor acting as tipsters against wrongdoing 鈥� especially in firms with a culture of integrity.
An antidote to IS recruitment of womenThe Islamic State's recruitment of women draws big attention. But less noticed and more important are efforts in Islamic countries to raise the level of women as spiritual guides 鈥� able to prevent young women (and men) from joining radical groups.
The US and a spiral of cyberfearIn a newly revealed strategy, the Pentagon poses the threat of a digital counterattack on those who launch a cyberattack on the US. This offensive capability, however, might trigger a cyber arms race. Is the US fear well founded to justify a possible escalation of fear?
With end of Syria war in sight, so must be a postwar planThe US and other nations have stepped up their military role in Syria as the Assad regime weakens. But they must not repeat the mistake made in Iraq and Afghanistan and hold low expectations for postwar reconstruction. Muslim societies can be democratic.
Reimagining Africa as innovatorIn preparing a visit to Africa, President Obama hopes to bring US investment in technology. Yet he may find Africa already on its way to indigenous innovation.
Keeping critical mass against nuclear weaponsAlmost every country is at a conference to affirm a central plank of world order, the 1970 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Even with modest progress to implement the pact, a moral imperative against nuclear weapons is maintained.聽
Fifty years on, practical lessons from German-Israeli friendshipOn the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, Israel and Germany offer a model for others in reconciling after a dismal past like the Holocaust.
Bearing and sharing the burden of asylum seekersOnly a few countries in the European Union accept the bulk of asylum seekers who make it across the Mediterranean. Sharing the burden would help alleviate the current migrant crisis.
A British way for countries in divorceLast week鈥檚 UK election was not only a win for Conservatives but for the gentler, more persuasive approach by the Scottish Nationalist Party, which won big in Scotland. Now Britain must continue its peaceful model of settling disputes over disunion.
Why the Yemen war may be differentIn a step toward moral law in Middle Eastern conflicts, the US persuades Saudi Arabia to propose a 鈥榟umanitarian pause鈥� in Yemen鈥檚 war to allow aid to reach civilians. This may set a pattern for the region鈥檚 wars.
A women's peace walk across the KoreasA group of international women, including Nobel Peace Prize winners, plan to walk between North and South Korea in hopes the two nations will sign a peace pact. Their efforts reflect a rise in women as conflict mediators.
Britain's identity-forming electionTwo lesser parties in the May 7 election are doing well enough to challenge Britain鈥檚 unity and its bonds with Europe. Voters must remember how peace and security were achieved by a comity of common values.聽
Afghanistan's trial against fearUnusual public concern over the mob murder of a woman has forced a televised trial that includes police among the accused. Afghan society may be at a turning point for women鈥檚 rights and rule of law.
Ordering up stability for the MideastAs President Obama works with both theocratic Iran and Arab monarchies, he must help the Middle East agree to a moral order based on respect for the dignity of the nation state.
Executive pay, company performance: Always a link?A proposed federal rule would require companies to compare executive pay to their bottom line. While this transparency might help shareholders, would it track intrinsic motives of those running a company?
Clean hands for elected judgesA Supreme Court ruling upholds a ban on judicial candidate asking directly for campaign donations in state elections. While such a ban restricts free speech, the constitutional need is for judges to remain principled and impartial.