All Editorials
OpinionHow US can use aid to nudge EgyptAmerican influence in Egypt is dwindling. But the US could still support democracy there by temporarily freezing military aid during the transitional period to be reinstated if the transition includes the Muslim Brotherhood and the new constitution protects minorities.
Global ViewpointUS strike on Syria would be illegal 'act of war'The Obama administration is right to be cautious about US intervention in Syria. For the US to launch a military strike without UN Security Council sanction would constitute an illegal 'act of war' against a sovereign state. (The Kosovo precedent cannot make an illegal act legal.)- Global ViewpointUS strike on Syria would be illegal 'act of war'The Obama administration is right to be cautious about US intervention in Syria. For the US to launch a military strike without UN Security Council sanction would constitute an illegal 'act of war' against a sovereign state. (The Kosovo precedent cannot make an illegal act legal.)
Global ViewpointAmerica is not the world's policeman 鈥� in Syria or IraqIn an interview, Hans Blix (chief UN arms inspector for Iraq from 2000-2003) says: If US military action in Syria is all about 'punishing' Bashar al-Assad to satisfy public and media opinion without even hearing the UN inspectors report, it will be a sad day for international legality.- Global ViewpointAmerica is not the world's policeman 鈥� in Syria or IraqIn an interview, Hans Blix (chief UN arms inspector for Iraq from 2000-2003) says: If US military action in Syria is all about 'punishing' Bashar al-Assad to satisfy public and media opinion without even hearing the UN inspectors report, it will be a sad day for international legality.
The Monitor's ViewIs the Yosemite fire a good fire?As California's Rim Fire bears down on Yosemite National Park and threatens power and water for San Francisco, the state must once again reassess the values that humans place on nature.
Five reasons the Arab Spring has not failed Given the fissures in Middle Eastern society, it is tempting to think that democracy is bound to fail there. Pessimists argue that the Arab Spring countries will revert to rule by 鈥渟trongmen.鈥� The Arab Spring may appear to have failed, but in five key respects the Arab world has changed irrevocably.
OpinionIn juvenile justice, kids need protection from false confessionsA third of false confessions come from youths under 18. Youths are more easily intimidated and less adept at understanding the ramifications of their statements than adults. They should not be treated as adults in the criminal justice system.
MLK's dream is the American dreamFifty years ago, black Americans -- and many whites as well -- descended on Washington, D.C., to insist on one simple thing: that the United States keep its word that "all men are created equal." Fifty years later, progress on equal rights has been realized in some ways, but it remains a dream in others.
The Monitor's ViewSyria jumps the red lineThe almost certain use of chemical weapons by Syria makes stronger international action nearly unavoidable.
OpinionJohnny Depp's Tonto aside, sidekicks deserve praiseJohnny Depp鈥檚 exaggerated performance as sidekick Tonto in the 'The Lone Ranger' serves as a useful reminder that being a good No. 2 is harder than it looks, and that humble second bananas often perform a useful role in entertainment, literature, and politics.
The Monitor's ViewWould you like unlimited days off?Some employers offer unlimited vacation days to workers. But is it really a perk?
Did the Arab Spring fail? Three views from Monitor readers In light of an op-ed by Ayaan Hirsi Ali ('Why the Arab Spring hasn't failed in Egypt and Middle East), we asked our readers on Facebook: 鈥淒o you think the Arab Spring has failed?鈥� See some of their most thoughtful responses here.
OpinionViews of Palestinians give reason for hope in Mideast peace talksSkeptics see Palestinians as committed to violent resistance and unwilling to recognize the state of Israel.聽In fact, more than 20 years of polling data strongly refute these perceptions, and give leaders in Ramallah substantial room to maneuver in the ongoing peace talks.
The Monitor's ViewInternet privacy should trump growthFacebook鈥檚 Internet.org wants to aggressively spread Internet connectivity to the developing world. But that shouldn't be its top priority.
OpinionAfter reported gas attack in Syria, US must weigh intervention in light of historyBashar al-Assad's alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria today will likely raise the volume of calls for American intervention 鈥� but also the stakes of such a move.聽History suggests US intervention in Syria would be unpredictable at best, disastrous at worst.
The Monitor's ViewScience for everyoneAs 鈥榗itizen science鈥� projects grow in popularity, science loses some of its mystery. That鈥檚 good.
Global ViewpointWhy the Arab Spring hasn't failed in Egypt and Middle EastWith Egypt back to 'temporary'聽martial law and turmoil riling the Middle East, the Arab Spring may appear to have failed. But the revolutionary story in the region is far from over. The Arab world has been changed irrevocably, and transitions 鈥� likely marked by conflict 鈥� will continue.- Global ViewpointWhy the Arab Spring hasn't failed in Egypt and Middle EastWith Egypt back to 'temporary'聽martial law and turmoil riling the Middle East, the Arab Spring may appear to have failed. But the revolutionary story in the region is far from over. The Arab world has been changed irrevocably, and transitions 鈥� likely marked by conflict 鈥� will continue.
OpinionWise up, Israelis. Prolonged civil war in Syria is bad news for you.Some Israelis have suggested that continuing conflict in Syria is good for Israel, as its enemies are occupied fighting each other. This view is morally reprehensible, but also shortsighted.聽Ending the bloodshed in Syria is in the best interests of all, including Israel.