All Editorials
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Fracking threatens public safety; Industry can't be trustedLetters to the Editor for the November 25, 2013 weekly magazine:聽Fractured shale provides minimal filtration, so contaminants can travel more easily and quickly. Putting chemicals in water and shooting it into the ground isn't a good idea.Some make the case that government is doing a good job regulating the oil and gas industry on fracking. If companies really were trustworthy, they would have been self-regulating.
The Monitor's ViewThe Iran nuclear deal's test of motivesThe temporary agreement on Iran's nuclear program is merely an initial test of good intentions on both sides. For Iran, it will ultimately be a test of whether it wants to be a player for peace.
OpinionMorocco's suppression of Western Sahara could fuel regional instabilityKing Mohammed VI is seeking US backing for Morocco鈥檚 claim to the disputed territory of Western Sahara where the Sahrawi people await a vote on independence. Suppressing this option for the Sahrawis could push younger generations to violence, further destabilizing North Africa.
The Monitor's ViewUS-Afghanistan alliance will be more than shared interestsAs Afghan leaders debate a draft security agreement with the United States, the two nations must recognize they are balancing more than each one's interests. After 12 years of war and joint efforts, the two are now bound up in common purpose.
The Monitor's ViewNew Jersey's dicey launch of Internet gamblingOn Nov. 26, New Jersey will become the third 鈥� and by far the most populous 鈥� state to allow online gambling for money within its borders. Before more states follow suit, the US must rethink this dubious race to make gambling so easy.
OpinionUS must pressure African governments for access to Kony's LRA safe havensWith the help of US military advisers, African forces have made progress in the push to apprehend Joseph Kony and his Lord鈥檚 Resistance Army, but challenges remain. The US, UN, and African Union must pressure the region's governments to allow access to LRA safe havens.
OpinionMake no mistake, America: Sanctions didn't force Iran into nuclear talksAs the third round of talks on Iran's nuclear program begins in Geneva, the US must realize it was the election of Hassan Rouhani, not sanctions alone, that brought Iran to the negotiating table. Continuing sanctions will undermine the new government's efforts for a peace deal.
The Monitor's ViewHelp teens erase their web indiscretionsMany teens may come to regret a photo on social media or other internet postings. But a new California law, which requires websites to let teens 'erase' their digital past, may be catching on in other states.
Global ViewpointUS-Iran negotiations are fragile, but there鈥檚 room for hopeThe Obama administration faces pressure from Congress for more sanctions against Iran. Iran鈥檚 President Hassan Rouhani faces increasing pressure from hardliners who oppose negotiations with the US. But a diplomatic deal is still clearly preferable for all sides.- Global ViewpointUS-Iran negotiations are fragile, but there鈥檚 room for hopeThe Obama administration faces pressure from Congress for more sanctions against Iran. Iran鈥檚 President Hassan Rouhani faces increasing pressure from hardliners who oppose negotiations with the US. But a diplomatic deal is still clearly preferable for all sides.
The Monitor's ViewAt Iran nuclear talks, put trust on the tableTalks resume Wednesday over the Iranian nuclear program, with the US and Iran still highly mistrustful of the other. Even if a pact is signed, implementing it will require some degree of trust. Better to start with some trust now.- Readers RespondReaders Write: Valor and empathy go hand in hand; Ultimate bottom line is saving EarthLetters to the Editor for the November 18, 2013 weekly print magazine:Teddy Roosevelt's example聽is one for all of us to follow:聽Personal valor and being a strong negotiator go hand in hand with empathy for all mankind.The ultimate bottom line for efficiency improvement and clean energy is to save the planet, and humanity, from the worst of climate disruption.
Global ViewpointChina's Xi Jinping isn't a reformer. He's a pragmatist.China's President Xi Jinping is neither a reformer nor a non-reformer. He is a pragmatist 鈥� a disciple of former Chinese Communist Party leader Deng Xiaoping. Mr. Xi聽seeks to build the overall vitality of the Chinese nation, and to do this, he feels the Party must maintain absolute control.- Global ViewpointChina's Xi Jinping isn't a reformer. He's a pragmatist.China's President Xi Jinping is neither a reformer nor a non-reformer. He is a pragmatist 鈥� a disciple of former Chinese Communist Party leader Deng Xiaoping. Mr. Xi聽seeks to build the overall vitality of the Chinese nation, and to do this, he feels the Party must maintain absolute control.
The Monitor's ViewPhilippines can 'build back better'Mega-disasters like super typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines can be an opportunity for devastated communities to re-envision a different future, one built on resiliency to disaster and stronger community ties.
Global ViewpointAmerica's global stature is slipping. But that might not be a bad thing.Things are getting worse for the United States, not because of our weak policies but because the times are changing, our capabilities and energies limited, and we haven鈥檛 recognized it yet.聽We can鈥檛 afford to keep on doing those things we shouldn鈥檛 have been doing in the first place.- Global ViewpointAmerica's global stature is slipping. But that might not be a bad thing.Things are getting worse for the United States, not because of our weak policies but because the times are changing, our capabilities and energies limited, and we haven鈥檛 recognized it yet.聽We can鈥檛 afford to keep on doing those things we shouldn鈥檛 have been doing in the first place.
The Monitor's ViewHow rating colleges can challenge studentsAs the Obama administration crafts a rating system for colleges, a study reveals how little students feel challenged by their professors. Ratings may help raise expectations in higher education.
The Monitor's ViewWhy US must help Afghanistan kick the heroin-trade habitJust as President Obama prepares to reduce the US role there, Afghanistan sees a big rise in opium cultivation. The US cannot leave the nation it invaded as a narco-state.
OpinionAfter NSA spying revelations, US must reform rules on secrecy and dataThe US should make two key reforms. First, the over-designation of material as classified makes it is harder to protect the few real secrets; this must be change. Second, the FISA court must become a gatekeeper for NSA access to communications data.