All Editorials
The Monitor's ViewA Middle East ripe for visionDespite its many woes, the region of 350 million people has enough potent possibilities to call for an overarching vision. Any prophets, however, may not arise among current leaders, but rather among the people.
The Monitor's ViewA universal hug in climate change pactFor the first time, all nations agree to take some action on global warming. While the deeds may be minimal and voluntary, the collective nature of the Lima Accord can help alleviate fears and lead to a treaty in 2015.
Global NewsstandHosni Mubarak's release, cheap oil's impact on Canada, British MPs banned from Hong Kong, clean development, and the falling Russian rubleThis week's round-up of commentaries covers Hosni Mubarak being released from prison, cheap oil's impact on Canada's economy, British members of Parliament banned from Hong Kong, clean development in Singapore, and the struggling Russian ruble's impact on Turkey.
Readers RespondReader Write: Girl Scouts don't teach business skills, 'Band of Brothers' hit the mark, and tech companies overlook needs of older peopleLetters to the Editor for Dec. 15, 2014 weekly magazine:Mientus: A聽better approach to learning business leadership would be to have a Girl Scout troop sell cookies together.Soule:聽The photographs were especially effective and moving.Miller: Technology聽manufacturers聽overlook the needs of older people.
The Monitor's ViewLove from China's famed dissidentAfter years in prison for his convictions, Liu Xiaobo sends a message that he has 'no personal enemies.' Like other famed dissidents in history, he may find strength in embracing his persecutors.
The Monitor's View'Senate torture report': a window on rules of warThe Senate Intelligence Committee report on CIA interrogations of terrorism suspects should serve as a springboard for a global effort to enforce the rules of war.
The Monitor's ViewBacking aid heroes in world conflictsToday's wars are setting near records in refugees, need for aid money 鈥� and aid workers killed. Bringing peace requires more than arms or diplomacy. It needs more compassion toward the displaced.
The Monitor's ViewA light on Iran's dark powersIran's president calls an end to the consolidation of power, which may be a challenge to rule by ayatollah. His words reflect a need to balance power in government based on the equality and dignity of each citizen.
Caring for our food at its sourceThe pleasures of dinner can be quickly spoiled when you consider where it came from. But that consideration is behind the ethical food movement.
The Monitor's ViewHow to fix police-black distrustCalls for reform of police after the killing of blacks in the US must include more ways to build trust and inclusiveness in cities. Worldwide, as more people live in cities, urban life needs constant work toward mutual dependence.
Readers RespondWhy earmarks hinder CongressLetters to the Editor for Dec. 8, 2014 weekly magazine:Alexander and Ellis:聽Earmarks aren鈥檛 a silver-bullet solution to gridlock, and they wouldn鈥檛 alleviate the stark ideological divisions in Congress.
The Monitor's ViewRussia's march toward self-relianceAs its oil revenue drops and Western sanctions over Ukraine take hold, Russia seeks to cut its economic dependence. Yet the history of prosperity shows the need for nations to share in mutual dependence.
Global NewsstandConstant cycle of violence in Israel, regulating working hours in Japan, Bangladesh鈥檚 quiet mobile revolution, Kenya standing against terrorist attacks, Latvia's first openly gay politicianThis week's round-up of commentaries covers the constant cycle of violence between Israel and Palestine, protecting workers from long hours in Japan, the rise of cell phones in Bangledesh, Kenya coming together after terrorist attacks, and the need for cultural change after politician says he is gay.
The Monitor's ViewWith fewer young people gambling, time for a government rethinkDespite a proliferation of casinos and lotteries, fewer Americans are playing, especially those under 30. Now is a good time to question government backing of an industry that targets youths.
The Monitor's ViewWhen companies come clean on briberyA global report on foreign corruption reveals a high rate of self-reporting by companies that paid bribes, a sign of the momentum to curb graft in both business and government.
The Monitor's ViewSpotting the inviolate in oil price volatilityAs oil prices fall and OPEC tries to influence markets, the world again faces uncertainty in energy costs. Yet after decades of price fluctuations, this may have an upside.
Readers RespondReaders Write: Soceity makes war honorable; a new approach in Syria is neededLetters to the Editor for Dec. 1, 2014 weekly magazine:Kauffman:聽I wonder if humans don鈥檛 all carry an innate horror of violence and warfare. But we are socialized to think that 鈥渘ecessary war鈥� is actually honorable, and those who engage in it are heroes.Frank:聽What the US is currently doing in the region isn鈥檛 working, and聽we are running out of choices.
Global NewsstandKazakhstan's rise, Afghan and Pakistan relations, Mexico vying to be China's western base, strides by female lawyers in Malawi, and Australia's World Cup scandalThis week's round-up of commentaries covers the economic rise of Kazakhstan, the possibility of renewed relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, why Mexico wants to become China's hub in Latin America, strides by female lawyers in Malawi, and Australia's role in the World Cup scandal.聽
The Monitor's ViewA pulpit rebuke of Nigeria's terroristsAfter a horrific suicide bombing at a Nigerian mosque Friday, the country's second-leading Islamic figure offered prayers at the site and denounced Boko Haram for its pretense of being Islamic. Such a public rebuke should set an example for other Muslim leaders.
Mining character for cluesWe study people's pasts 鈥� especially the pasts of people who rise to prominence 鈥� hoping to understand how they will act in the future. But humans can always surprise us.