All Editorials
Looking at 2015 ... and at 2015There was plenty of bad news in 2015. But good news -- progress in almost every category of well-being -- vastly outweighed it.
The Monitor's ViewAfrica outshines UN in protecting civiliansWhile the UN Security Council allows Syria to slide further toward sectarian genocide, the African Union acts boldly to prevent mass atrocities in Burundi 鈥� under the UN's own doctrine of 鈥榬esponsibility to protect.鈥�
Readers RespondReaders write: living with nature; immigration in 2016; warming up to climate changeLetters to the editor for the Dec. 21, 2015, weekly magazine.
Global NewsstandOnly policy will end Syria's war; Russia's limited influence; rights for Saudi women; Israel should welcome asylum seekers; India's long road to progressA roundup of global commentary from the Dec. 21, 2015 weekly magazine.
The Monitor's ViewThe UN's faith in Libyan peacemongersTo reach a deal signed Thursday, the UN focused on people in Libya most interested in peace, not just the most powerful that rule parts of the country. This bottom-up approach, if it works, is a model in diplomacy.
The Monitor's ViewPakistan鈥檚 self-reflection, a year after its deadliest terror attackOn Dec. 16, Pakistan marked the first anniversary of a Taliban attack that killed more than 100 children. The nation has since stiffened against militants, while some question the quick labeling of terrorists as 鈥榥ot Muslim.鈥�
The Monitor's ViewThe integrity at the heart of Brazil鈥檚 anti-corruption sweepA few youthful and often US-educated prosecutors have unearthed Brazil鈥檚 largest corruption scandal by challenging a deep culture of impunity. They are a model for other nations also in need of honest governance.
Readers RespondReaders write: nothing wrong with a 'pause'; America's invitation to the 'huddled masses'Letters to the editor for the Dec. 14, 2015 weekly magazine.
The Monitor's ViewWhat Saudi women voting says of the MideastGiven their first chance to vote, more than 80 percent of Saudi women showed up at the polls Dec. 12. The social trends that were behind the Arab Spring are alive and well, pointing to a different future in the Middle East than one of war and Islamic caliphates.
Why we're all of one partyThe ideal is the voters swing from party to party in a contest of ideas. The current reality is that birds of a political feather flock together.
The Monitor's ViewParis pact on climate change: What鈥檚 fear got to do with it?Fearmongering took a back seat to other tactics during the Paris negotiations. The result: a universal agreement with historic goals relying more on trust, humility, and compassion.
Global NewsstandWhy the Paris climate talks were different; agriculture and climate change; feminism goes mainstream; Russia as a distraction; talking with ISA roundup of global commentary for the Dec. 15, 2015 weekly magazine.
The Monitor's ViewComing clean on corruption鈥檚 links to pollutionA common link lies in VW鈥檚 emissions cheating and the air-quality alerts in China, India, and Indonesia. Arrogant dishonesty can lead to pollution. As VW now admits, leaders must learn to act with humility.
The Monitor's ViewDoes Islamic State have a heart? Red Cross hopes so.The international Red Cross is trying to persuade Islamic State to let in neutral aid workers to treat millions of civilians. The effort is part of a broader and needed effort to get all states and nonstate actors to comply with humanitarian law.
The Monitor's ViewIn Venezuela, a need for magnanimity in victoryAn election provides a stunning win for pro-democracy forces over a domineering ruler. Now Venezuela, with the world鈥檚 worst-performing economy, needs handshakes across a big political divide to make reforms.
The Monitor's ViewObama鈥檚 call for Muslims to stand upAmong the president鈥檚 anti-Islamic State tactics is an appeal to Muslim leaders to assert an Islam based on universal values such as dignity, respect, and tolerance. Yet the US and Europe also must embrace these values to defeat all types of terrorism.
The call for a generous heartThe narrative of violent jihad and civilizational conflict must be supplanted by one of tolerance and shared humanity.
The Monitor's ViewA cool consensus emerges on global warmingMany nations, rich and poor, find it hard to end fuel subsidies. Several poor nations have made moves to do so while Europe plans to temporarily keep fossil fuel power plants in reserve. The Paris talks on climate change must build on this consensus.
Readers RespondReaders write: teens under the influence of IS; Dolley Madison the bridge builderLetters to the editor for the Dec. 7, 2015 weekly magazine.
Global NewsstandUnderestimating IS; Europe's labor shortage; Korea and terrorism; Argentinian politics; democracy in JamaicaA roundup of global commentary for the Dec. 7,聽 2015 weekly magazine.