All The Monitor's View
What lessons from hurricane Sandy?The best response to natural events like hurricane Sandy lies in a community preparing its political, civic, and even cultural attitudes. Each disaster, such as Katrina, teaches new lessons. What can America's mid-Atlantic region learn from Sandy?
Syria's YouTube 'war' could win the warAnother failed ceasefire in Syria once again demands new ways to end the violence. Perhaps the truth-telling tactics of the opposition in YouTube videos can help hollow out the lies of the Assad regime so that his remaining support collapses.
Oh, the ease of blaming others in a crisisWhen earthquake experts are sentenced for bad predictions and lenders accused of bad calls on mortgages, society needs a reminder that individuals are responsible for their actions.
Long march for Romney's threats against ChinaAs Romney and Obama duel over who can better change China's economic behavior, it's time for a fresh perspective on how much the US can change any country.
A recovery theme in Romney-Obama presidential debateIn the presidential debate on foreign policy, both Mitt Romney and President Obama cited a need to rejuvenate the economy if the US is to be a world leader. But that choice need not be either-or.
With Lance Armstrong stripped of Tour de France titles, cycling can recoverThe International Cycling Union stripped Lance Armstrong of his Tour de France titles 鈥� the result of a sport trying to clean up its act after years of doping scandals. The cleanup should be commended.
Please, a discerning presidential debate on foreign policyWhen Mitt Romney and President Obama debate foreign policy Monday evening, they need to admit the US faces wholly new challenges that require a national consensus on the core values that can drive US responses.
Let us now praise the popularity of presidential debatesThe audience size for the Romney-Obama presidential debates was a near record, showing a hunger for civic life and for leaders who can uplift society.
Mr. Obama, just say no to state ballots on marijuana legalizationThe silence of America's top law enforcement officials 鈥� President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder 鈥� on three state votes to legalize marijuana is puzzling. If any of the measures pass, it will cause a constitutional crisis as well as a dangerous jump in pot use.
New Jersey's bad call on sports bettingNew Jersey plans to allow sports betting early next year in defiance of federal law and possible corruption of the culture of sports. The state even admits such gambling would harm its own teams.
Why Romney, Obama must drop the fear-mongeringIn their political ads and presidential debates, Mitt Romney and President Obama worsen economic uncertainty by using fear tactics and pandering to special interests. The economy needs the certainty of a political consensus.
Why Europe needed the Nobel Peace PrizeSunk low by euro woes, the European Union needed the Nobel Peace Prize to remind it why it should be grateful for its past success. Gratitude helps in affairs of state as much as in personal ties.
What Pakistan can do after Taliban shooting of schoolgirl MalalaThe Taliban shooting of Malala Yousafzai, a famous 14-year-old girl activist, should spark Pakistanis to not only end the Taliban but to emulate Muslim societies that elevate the status of women in Islam.
What Supreme Court missed on use of race in admissionsIn its hearing on affirmative action at the University of Texas, the Supreme Court didn't weigh how much higher education can make itself more accessible to all.
World's big 'wanted' sign: 600 million jobsEven as the World Bank calls for 600 million more jobs by 2020, the IMF forecasts a long economic slowdown. Will new technologies help? No. The first need is basic reform in governance.
China bashing in the presidential raceRomney and Obama try to compete in bashing China. Yet both the history and future of US-China ties point to a need for calm debate on how the two economic giants can cooperate.
The Obama, Romney dance on debt in the debatesLost in the dueling economic figures of the presidential debate was a shared moral concern by Mitt Romney and President Obama about the giant debt being left behind by baby boomers. Young Americans 鈥� and future generations 鈥� need more of that political unity.
Romney, Obama can help democracy in presidential debatesVoter interest in the 2012 election is down. Mitt Romney and President Obama must use the unique opportunity of the presidential debates to engage those not likely to vote.
Women can't be airbrushed out of Arab SpringLike IKEA's deletion of photos of women from its catalog for Saudi Arabia, Muslim countries now creating democracies can't leave out women's rights while creating civic rights.
A global model for peacebuilding 鈥� in Somalia?One of the world's most famous failed states, Somalia, finally shows surprising signs of progress. One reason may be Somali fatigue over violence, anarchy, and foreign meddling.