All The Monitor's View
Web protests over piracy bills while China slaps Internet curbsLegislation in Congress aims to curb Web theft of intellectual property while Beijing cracks down on bloggers. Both nations must weigh the cost to creativity that leads to innovation.
Humanitarian acts as antidotes to warDisasters can cause even adversarial nations to enjoy heart-to-heart moments of compassion. Russia delivers emergency fuel to an Alaskan town; the US Navy rescued Iranian fishermen.
The fear factor in attacks on Romney's BainCampaign attacks on Romney's former investment firm only play to worker fears about jobs. Candidates should play to hopes that workers can adapt to a rapidly changing economy.
Supreme Court's historic but unfinished ruling for religious libertyThe high court endorses an exception for churches in discrimination suits by certain workers. But it has a hard time deciding how secular government can define what a religious worker is.
Rowdy politics aside, Americans are in a 'civics recession'The presidential primaries give the impression of sharp citizenship skills among Americans. But civics learning lags. Obama education officials plan to reverse it.
After New Hampshire primary: Will voters 'fire' Romney?Mitt Romney's comment on firing people only helps open a debate about 'traditional' economics. Even economists are torn 鈥� after being humbled by the Great Recession. Can politics fill the void?
Arab Spring justice 鈥� but a free pass for Yemen's SalehUnder a plan backed by Obama and Saudi Arabia, Yemen's interim cabinet agreed Sunday to amnesty for President Ali Abdullah Saleh in return for him stepping down. But democracy can't take root without rule of law.
Arabs, like others, don't buy into abuse of historic grievancesThe Arab Spring reflects a trend away from people accepting leaders who try to exploit the ancient wrongs of other countries for their own political or violent ends.
Obama military strategy: Is it bipartisan enough?President Obama needed a security strategy before asking for big budget cuts in defense. His plan from the Pentagon calls for America to take more risks, create a lean force, and focus on Asia. But he'll need buy-in from Congress to make it stick.
And the winner in Iowa is ... baby-kissing retail politicsSantorum's near-win over well-monied Romney is a victory for face-to-face campaigning 鈥� even democracy itself 鈥� as well as small-state presidential contests.
The Syrian protesters' cry for helpArab nations and the West are closer to acting against the Assad regime 鈥� perhaps even militarily 鈥� to end the slaughter of pro-democracy protesters. The consequences of inaction are becoming worse than action.- Saving earth鈥檚 equipoiseWith continued abuse, the environment of this globe could get out of whack. And that would be rather disastrous for all of us who live here.
- Harboring Hate