All The Monitor's View
Egypt's call for 'ethical duty' in SyriaThe Middle East is truly a new place when an elected Muslim leader of Egypt speaks out in Iran on the need for the world to help free Syria. Such moral stands can have real results.
How GOP, Democratic conventions can really educate votersMitt Romney and Barack Obama try to compete on 'creating jobs.' But millions of good jobs go begging. Why? Workers need higher education. That's the better issue to debate.
For those in path of hurricane Isaac, a lesson from IreneA year ago, Vermont was hit hard by floods from hurricane Irene. For those facing hurricane Isaac, the strong community spirit of Vermonters can serve as a lesson in how to respond and to recover.
Neil Armstrong: A giant leap for modestyThe humility of Neil Armstrong after his moonwalk is a model for a balanced approach to giving credit for great achievements.
Lessons of Lance Armstrong doping scandalThe Lance Armstrong doping scandal, which means he will be stripped of his Tour de France awards, should push the anti-doping effort to a new level. Like the Penn State scandal, sports entities 鈥� and fans 鈥� must look at the culture of fame and money that drives many sports.
Obama-Romney debate can't avoid 'nation-building'Recent presidents campaigned against nation-building only to take it up as necessary for what defines America's ideals and strategic interests. Voters need to hear what Romney and Obama would do differently.
Misdeal on Internet poker gamblingA federal court ruling that poker is mainly a game of skill and thus not gambling could steer Congress down the wrong path of approving Internet gaming.
The 'light' touch to curb urban killingRecent murders in cities like Boston that already have used new crime-fighting methods call for more individuals to put a caring light on gang crime in their communities.
Charity begins where?A study of giving by Americans shows the different amounts and the goals of their charity, as reflected to a degree in the giving by Romney and Obama. But the motives for giving are still a source of study.
Japan-China island clash: Peace in a common historyThe island clash between Japan and China, as well as other island disputes in East Asia, could be more easily resolved if neighbors shared a common view of history.
Romney, Obama must call a truce on nasty campaigningAs mudslinging escalates, voters will use new digital tools to avoid campaign ads. Romney and Obama can agree to keep negativity in check.
Put a light on Europe's shadow economyThe euro crisis stems in part from countries like Greece not collecting taxes on a sizeable 'shadow' economy. These off-the-book activities need to be brought into the light of legal, taxable commerce.
Egypt's Morsi puts military on right side of historyThe elected president, Mohamed Morsi, purged the top brass that had constrained his authority. With civilian rule asserted, Morsi's own Muslim Brotherhood must now also bend to popular will and not use the state to hold onto power.
How Paul Ryan pick by Romney can alter campaignPaul Ryan was picked by Romney in part for his bold reform plan for Medicare. The plan's key element is more choice in health care 鈥� a useful debating point for the presidential campaign.
After Sikh temple shooting, a healing actWhen hundreds of Americans showed up for a memorial service after the Sikh temple shooting, it affirmed the need for freedom of religion.
Africa as muse, not messUS Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, on a two-week tour of Africa, raises the idea that the continent's progress on many fronts might offer solutions for some world problems. Is she right?
US-Vietnam Agent Orange clean-up sets a modelOn Thursday, the US and Vietnam start cleaning up dioxin from Agent Orange. This reconciliation, 37 years after the war, may set a precedent in the ethics of dealing with the aftereffects of war.
Wisconsin shooting: A call to counter extremist fearThe Wisconsin shootings at a Sikh temple were driven by the fears of Wade Michael Page 鈥� and designed to evoke fear. Society's answer to such extremist violence should not be more fear.
Prepare for what Mars rover Curiosity and other 'big science' may revealThe rover Curiosity could soon beam back evidence of past (or current) life on Mars. Like other recent news in basic science, humans must know how to absorb such challenges to understanding.
Whispers of peace in SyriaWith the resignation of Kofi Annan as UN peace envoy, Syrians must now find their own solution. Reports show a 'silent majority' quietly turning against Assad 鈥� and toward peace.