All The Monitor's View
Stand-ups won鈥檛 sit down in ChinaWhile overtly political comedy can spell trouble, stand-up comics 鈥� including an increasing number of women 鈥� are finding creative ways to question restrictive norms.
Heart-to-heart change in AfghanistanA tragedy of mass deportation has triggered mass charity among Afghans, opening doors for dialogue with the Taliban.
Social media self-control among studentsStudents are seeking to better manage their engagement with cellphone and social media use, with practical strategies and shared reflection.
Upturns and U-turns in UkraineA rising civic maturity, forged by war, has driven young people to protest a law weakening safeguards against corruption. A shift in values has put the president on the spot.
Glimmers of civil compromise in CongressAmid political divides and posturing, a group of representatives are pursuing compromise on hot-button immigration issues. And others are seeking to make bipartisanship the norm rather than the exception.
For Gaza and Israel, a push for 鈥榮piritual diplomacy鈥�When world clergy meet in September, they will bring the power of prayer and interfaith harmony to conflicts like the one in Gaza.
A youthful force for peaceWars weigh heavily on young people. Yet more youth activists are addressing conflict and its causes in their communities 鈥� framing conversations around what peace would look like.
China鈥檚 mental shift on deflationFalling prices for electric cars and other signs of deflation have led China鈥檚 ruling party to challenge an economic mindset, which has led to the distorting market effects of subsidies.
Why cities are safer: Caring and consequencesCollaboration among local government, police, and community groups has helped cut violent crime in many US cities. One essential: care that persuades individuals to care about their community.
Ukraine鈥檚 tools for voteless democracyAs Russia squeezes its citizens into submission, Ukrainians rely on a spirit of equality and respect to maintain legitimate governance. One tool: e-petitions to the president鈥檚 inbox.
Arab music hits a high note in EuropeAnti-Muslim and anti-immigrant sentiments are on the rise across the continent. By reclaiming and reimagining their rich musical traditions, Middle Eastern immigrant artists are finding new ways to connect across cultures.
A lean-in for truth in Serbia over a massacreOn the 30th anniversary of a genocide of Muslims in Europe, it is Muslims in Serbia pushing pro-democracy Serbs to admit the ethno-nationalism roots of their current government.
South Africa鈥檚 hints of clean governanceCorruption in high places remains a test for the country. Yet officials have scored some wins against graft and fraud, an opportunity to renew trust and civic values.
A fog lifts over Turkey鈥檚 rift with Kurds聽Initial steps to end a long war for Kurdish independence come with signs of national reconciliation. The first step: Each side admits its wrongs.
An economy in India lifted by womenWith its business-friendly models, India鈥檚 south is a hub for tech growth. But an emphasis on women鈥檚 inclusion may be a big reason for the progress.
When art sews friendship between foesIn lending the 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry to Britain, France uses a rich visual depiction of a war to weave a peace built over centuries.
An apology opens a way to national healingA presidential apology for Liberia鈥檚 past wars renews efforts at reconciliation. Can the African nation balance justice and mercy?
How esports can farm peaceThe global popularity of video gaming as an official sport has brought Israelis to Saudi Arabia. Is this a glimpse of a new Mideast?
A welcome mat for Europe鈥檚 RomaThe long-stigmatized minority, which originated in India, won a victory with the appointment of the first Romani minister under a new president in Romania.聽
The Dalai Lama鈥檚 real worth in ChinaThe Buddhist leader鈥檚 decision to arrange a successor for Tibetans outside Beijing鈥檚 control only shows the power of faith these days among the Chinese.