All Editorials
Readers RespondReaders write: How US schools still fail, beauty of a carbon taxLetters to the editor for the March 23, 2015 weekly magazine.
The Monitor's ViewMexico's high expectations of peaceAs killings drop in Mexico, a study measures the country's potential for peace. It finds attitudes and institutions in place that give Mexico a 'peace surplus.'
The Monitor's ViewAfter a divisive election, Israel needs 'to heal'The March 17 election was a victory for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But the harsh campaign left too many rips in Israeli society and in ties with the US. Much mending will be needed.
The Monitor's ViewColombia's virtuous path to peaceIn talks to end six decades of civil war, the government and the rebel group FARC agree on minor humanitarian steps, such as demining, a truth commission, and rural development. These may create trust and empathy for making the hard compromises for reconciliation.- The Monitor's ViewHuman trafficking: bottom-up solutionsBoth the US and Britain are moving to stem sex and labor trafficking. But those involved in the problem say each community must rethink views of the victims and embrace them with aid and support.
Listening to centrists -- and to the fringeTo defend and expand the 'vital center' of society, it is important to understand what the extremes are saying and doing.- The Monitor's ViewA $5 billion downpayment on Ukraine's futureThe first IMF financial aid to Ukraine reflects an astounding turnaround in civic reform and national identity, despite Russia's threats and a deep legacy of corruption.
Global NewsstandDon't revise Japan's Constitution, religion in Canada, South Korea's response to Japan, Putin's popularity, hate crimes against MuslimsThis week's round-up of global commentary includes discussion about Japan revising its Constitution, bias against Canadian Muslims, partnership between South Korea and Japan, explaining Putin's high ratings, and Western media coverage of violence against Muslims.
Readers RespondReaders write: Gender equality in education is the smartest way to defeat extremismLetters to the editor for the March 16, 2015 weekly magazine.- The Monitor's ViewBrazil scores a big goal – for rule of lawWith a huge scandal at the state oil company, Brazil's high court approves a probe of top politicians, reflecting a rising popular demand for an end to impunity of the powerful and a greater respect for equality under rule of law.
- The Monitor's ViewThe nonmilitary victories in Iraq's battle of TikritThe Iraqi Army's advance against Islamic State in the city of Tikrit reflects not only a military win but greater inclusion of Sunni and Shiite and, perhaps, a decline in Iraq's cycle of revenge killings.
- The Monitor's ViewGerman lessons for an Asia riven by historyDuring a trip to Tokyo, German leader Angela Merkel assisted Japan, China, and South Korea with insights on how postwar Germany and the rest of Europe reconciled. Will they listen?
- The Monitor's ViewHow the oil price drop can lift a 'curse'Nations that misused oil wealth now find their mistakes being exposed with the plunge in petroleum prices. This is a blessing for other nations with newfound natural resources. The 'resource curse' could be avoided if they invest wisely.
A call for a better societyAll Americans must walk across the bridge together.- The Monitor's ViewWhy more, not fewer, people prayDespite record declines in religious affiliation, more Americans pray than 30 years ago. Why? Researchers say those who pray find prayer brings spiritual meaning and understanding.
Global NewsstandReject terrorist propoganda, terror in the name of religion, solar power in Africa, security in Mexico, India's childrenThis week's round-up of global commentary includes the danger of consuming Islamic State propaganda, Pakistan's battle against religious extremists, pay-as-you-go solar lighting in Kenya, fighting organized crime in Mexico, and ending child labor in India.- Readers RespondReaders write: Islam and º£½Ç´óÉñity too divergent, a careful response to terrorismLetters to the editor for the March 9, 2015 weekly magazine.
- The Monitor's ViewChina's long march to innovationIts leaders, like those in other countries, worry about 'insufficient' innovation. Yet lately the Communist Party has heightened a climate of fear that only stifles free thought. The Chinese people, meanwhile, have steadily embraced values that drive modern entrepreneurship.
- The Monitor's ViewFor ethics in banking, rules aren't enoughFed chief Janet Yellen worries about 'shortcomings' in values among bank workers, and the effects on the financial system. How can banks change from 'mere compliance' to 'good compliance'?
- The Monitor's ViewMideast looks for a 'Switzerland'As Israel and Iran square off over nuclear talks and war rages in Iraq and Syria, some Middle East nations seek a role as an island of neutrality and peacemaking, with Switzerland as a model.