All The Monitor's View
Why the SAT needs a character checkA new scoring metric by the College Board will help the admission of more disadvantaged applicants by highlighting those who defy their social or economic hardships.
After India鈥檚 big election, time for inclusionThe victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers him a chance to treat all Indians equally, with no favoritism toward Hindus. The election itself was a reminder of India鈥檚 inclusiveness.
In a world of autocrats, the humble stand outUkraine鈥檚 new leader sets a welcome standard of humility in public service during a period of personal rule in many nations.
College grads with well-packed parachutesThe class of 鈥�19 brings resilient skills into a job market hungry for workers who think critically.
Seeing red in unfair green dealsIn Australia, a surprise victory for a pro-coal party shows the need worldwide to ensure economic justice in tackling climate change.
Food aid for hungry North Koreans?A severe food shortage in the North opens a door for the South to provide aid and perhaps nudge progress in stalled talks on denuclearization.
The start of a great decoupling of nations?The US-China split over trade practices could turn into Cold War-style strategy of containing practices that defeat themselves.
The calm for Congo's Ebola stormDespite the best medical response to Congo鈥檚 Ebola outbreak, the virus keeps spreading because of fear, false rumors, and violence. The crisis now requires a buildup of trust that can calm and comfort local communities.
The oh-too-rare case of loving political foesIn a surprise essay, a former FBI official hounded by the president explains why he loves both Trump and his supporters.
South Africa votes to turn honesty about graft into action against itAfter years of transparency about corruption, the country sends a signal in an election that the ruling party must now cleanse itself.
A door for peace in rising US-Iran tensionsWashington and Tehran have escalated tensions as hard-liners on each side seem to smell victory. Yet behind the posturing remains a chance for mediation by a neutral friend.
Mother鈥檚 love and loving our mothersAfter more than a century of official mother鈥檚 days in the U.S., much has changed for mothers. But not their central role as influencers of future generations.
Why Sudan is a pivot for democracyThe battle for democracy in both Africa and the Arab world is playing out in the protests in Khartoum against military rule.
Myanmar's surprise turn toward rule of lawThe release of two Reuters reporters reflects the work of negotiators who played to the military鈥檚 own interest in rule of law. Dialogue won the day for press freedom.
A special insight on species extinctionA UN-backed prediction of mass extinctions also suggests a revisioning of the 鈥榞ood life鈥� away from material-based economic growth.
Europe鈥檚 search to curb anti-immigrant hatredWith far-right parties slated to do well in a big election this month, European officials must focus on proven ways to counter anti-migrant racism.
A leap in productivity, and perhaps in what inspires itA surprise jump in the output of American workers might nudge Washington to make good on promises of better infrastructure.
A China-US trade deal may hinge on an honesty pledgeAs the two giants near a trade deal, they must agree on ways to end China鈥檚 theft of foreign technology. China is already making some progress.聽
How gratitude can ease Japan-South Korea frictionsSeoul鈥檚 letter of appreciation for the peacemaking role of the departing Japanese emperor can help both sides soften their hard positions on issues from the past.
The tender embrace after a synagogue shootingBeneath the good deeds after the tragedy in Poway, California, lies a desire to restore a community鈥檚 harmony 鈥� and to curb hate-filled violence.