All The Monitor's View
Russia and Ukraine: a contest less of war and more of governanceLast year, Russia and Ukraine were in a military contest. This year, with each facing steep economic decline, they have turned inward in what can be seen as a contest of domestic reform. With its new-found freedoms, Ukraine may win.
Lessons for any company in AirAsia plane crashAfter the demise of AirAsia Flight 8501, the company CEO quickly apologized, comforted families of the victims, and sought solutions. In the history of corporate mea culpas, this one stands out.
Merkel's history-making style for GermanyThe world's most connected country has seen its leader emerge as a well-connected global leader. Merkel's style of diplomacy will be tested in 2015, as it was in 2014 during the Ukraine crisis with Russia.
Fixing the 'broken windows' of policeThe killings of blacks by police in 2014 will continue to stir reform in 2015. One idea is to apply the crime-busting strategy known as 鈥榖roken windows鈥� to police themselves, accepting zero tolerance of even minor abuses.
Erasing borders of the mindInternational travel is growing, opening up new views of humanity. Cuba represents one new destination ready to reward the curious traveler.
A new year, a warming economyWith the US economy growing faster than it has in more than a decade, the recovery may finally be broadening to include Main Street America.
Amid bowl game hoopla: What about education?College football teams have become valuable brand names that promote their universities. But do they offer players a real education in return?
Why Tunisia's election mattersA largely peaceful and honest vote provides a basis for further progress and keeps the high hopes of the Arab Spring alive.
The burden of Colorado's pot tourismSince Colorado legalized marijuana in 2014, it has placed a law-enforcement burden on neighboring states in coping with pot tourists. Now two border states want help from the Supreme Court. They deserve it.
When children stand up to terrorAfter the mass killing of children in Pakistan, students in India hold vigils or say prayers for the victims. Such cross-border empathy by children should not only change leaders in Pakistan and India but help global efforts against terrorism.
Obama's Cuban invasionIn opening official ties with Cuba, President Obama made sure to focus on the Cuban people more than the Castro regime. Globalization, such as the Internet, has empowered individuals, making governments less important to the forces of change.
Taliban massacre of children: how Pakistan must now changeThe Taliban massacre of school children, meant to avenge a military offensive, has stirred political leaders to unite. Perhaps this will lead to firm civilian control of the military and put an end to leniency toward all types of armed groups outside state authority.
A Middle East ripe for visionDespite its many woes, the region of 350 million people has enough potent possibilities to call for an overarching vision. Any prophets, however, may not arise among current leaders, but rather among the people.
A universal hug in climate change pactFor the first time, all nations agree to take some action on global warming. While the deeds may be minimal and voluntary, the collective nature of the Lima Accord can help alleviate fears and lead to a treaty in 2015.
Love from China's famed dissidentAfter years in prison for his convictions, Liu Xiaobo sends a message that he has 'no personal enemies.' Like other famed dissidents in history, he may find strength in embracing his persecutors.
'Senate torture report': a window on rules of warThe Senate Intelligence Committee report on CIA interrogations of terrorism suspects should serve as a springboard for a global effort to enforce the rules of war.
Backing aid heroes in world conflictsToday's wars are setting near records in refugees, need for aid money 鈥� and aid workers killed. Bringing peace requires more than arms or diplomacy. It needs more compassion toward the displaced.
A light on Iran's dark powersIran's president calls an end to the consolidation of power, which may be a challenge to rule by ayatollah. His words reflect a need to balance power in government based on the equality and dignity of each citizen.
How to fix police-black distrustCalls for reform of police after the killing of blacks in the US must include more ways to build trust and inclusiveness in cities. Worldwide, as more people live in cities, urban life needs constant work toward mutual dependence.
Russia's march toward self-relianceAs its oil revenue drops and Western sanctions over Ukraine take hold, Russia seeks to cut its economic dependence. Yet the history of prosperity shows the need for nations to share in mutual dependence.