All The Monitor's View
Biden鈥檚 one big test for military support of a countryTo justify the pullout from Afghanistan, the president cited high corruption in Kabul. How does that fit with U.S. backing of other countries striving for honest governance?
Restoring Palestinian-Israeli trustThe first high-level meeting between Israel and the Palestinian Authority since 2010 hints at a desire to shape peace, not merely manage conflict.
Compassion meets Afghan refugeesThe West lays out a wider welcoming mat for those fleeing the Taliban than it did in 2015 for fleeing Syrians.
The power of the Afghan peopleThe Taliban鈥檚 own brutality will no doubt be reshaped by the popular reaction to the Kabul attack by another terror group.
Fighting graft without bordersBoth the EU and U.S. are combating transnational corruption in a very novel transnational way.
Why Iraq is now a Mideast peace brokerIts reformist prime minister has built up enough trust to host a summit of Arab and Iranian leaders that might lift the region鈥檚 youth out of despair.
Can food kindness win over North Korea?聽The Biden administration threw its support behind a South Korea plan to offer aid to a food-short North Korea in hopes of renewing peace talks.
Tutoring the Taliban on humanitarian lawForeign aid workers in Afghanistan report an openness by the Taliban to keep aid flowing. Is the group honoring the innocence of civilians?
The rush to redefine America鈥檚 political identitiesWith new census data, states are redrawing maps for electoral boundaries, but not without many more voters demanding a say in this pivotal piece of democracy.
Lost trust in the US? One country differs.The abrupt US exit from Kabul may seem like Saigon 1975. But Vietnam today still holds strong trust in the US as leader of world order.
The Taliban鈥檚 wink on women鈥檚 rightsEven if not genuine, the Islamic group鈥檚 promise of leniency on women鈥檚 freedoms shows it must operate in a much different Muslim world.
A legacy of dignity shapes an African electionThe peaceful aftermath of Zambia鈥檚 Aug. 12 election may be a result of the nation鈥檚 founder leaving office quietly after an election loss, having taught his people the power of dignity.
The new restraints on Taliban threatsMuslims worldwide are more opposed to violent jihadi ideology, which may help make Afghanistan less of a terrorist sanctuary.
Migration as a weapon: Why Europe cries 鈥楨nough!鈥�As more dictators use migrants for geopolitical advantage, the European Union struggles to end the practice.
Israel鈥檚 gesture for Palestinian homesA rare and diverse ruling coalition in Israel takes an unusual step toward building houses for West Bank Palestinians. The move might open a door for peace talks.
Biden鈥檚 different approach to AfricaUnlike previous presidents, he focuses on shared values and partnerships, a better fit for the continent鈥檚 youth and women.
Europe鈥檚 big win on independent courtsPoland relents on a plan to alter its Supreme Court, a result of the EU standing up for its great unifier: democratic rule of law.
Truth wars in AfghanistanBoth sides in the conflict are trying to influence civilians with a 鈥渘arrative鈥� of victory. The truth is that Afghans have more savvy about what they want.
Public apologies that aim to heal a nationFrom Iraq to Germany, leaders have offered mea culpas but no where is contrition more in the works than post-war Colombia, part of a long peace process of truth telling.
Fearless dancing in BelarusBrave women have led the country鈥檚 pro-democracy movement but none may better explain why conquering fear is so important than imprisoned Maria Kalesnikava.