All Editorials
OpinionThis graduation season, let's remember the 20th centurySteve Jobs told college graduates to follow their inner passion. John F. Kennedy told them to solve the world's problems.聽At graduation ceremonies, speakers should remind men and women not just of their obligation to pursue self-satisfaction, but also of their duty to fellow human beings
The Monitor's ViewHow Europe can find its feet againNow in its longest recession since World War II, Europe is the world economy's weakest link. But as it achieves financial stability, it must now focus on structural overhaul to spur innovation and worker retraining.
OpinionWhy are Obamacare supporters attacking job creators?When seemingly organized Obamacare supporters attack small business leaders who express concern about the health-care law, job creators are no longer just uncertain about how their business will be impacted by the law. They are afraid 鈥� for their businesses and to speak out.
OpinionWhat Bangladesh 鈥� and US retailers 鈥撀爉ust do to prevent man-made tragediesTwo man-made tragedies have shaken Bangladesh recently: riots over Islamist demands for blasphemy laws and the garment factory collapse.聽Bangladesh's response to both will show how well it can meet citizens' needs. US retailers must also take responsibility for factory conditions.
The Monitor's ViewHow to avoid another Justice raid on reporter phone recordsThe secret combing of AP phone records by Justice in pursuit of a security leak shows the need to better define the overlapping roles of government and the press in their mutual desire to protect the American people.
OpinionWhat could finally topple Iran's regime? Earthquakes.Poor government response to earthquakes in Iran exposes the regime's corruption and incompetence.聽As the EU's Catherine Ashton and Iran鈥檚 Saeed Jalili meet in Turkey today, Tehran should heed history鈥檚 warning: No nuclear program can save a regime from a toppling earthquake.
OpinionAs North Korea heats up, South Korea and Japan should warm tiesCooperation on missile defense between South Korea and Japan would help blunt threats from North Korea. But Japanese officials' recent insensitivity to Imperial Japan's painful role in World War II, including forcing South Koreans to become 'comfort women,' works against cooperation.
The Monitor's ViewIRS scandal as a lesson in civic valuesThe IRS targeting of conservative political groups may not have been political itself. But it shows a serious need for more civics education in America about basic freedoms like the First Amendment.
3 priorities for Pakistan's new government After 14 years, Nawaz Sharif is back at the helm in Pakistan. The nuclear-armed country faces a welter of problems, from terrorism to tensions with Afghanistan, India, and the United States. To move Pakistan forward, Mr. Sharif must focus on three priorities.
Five ways to improve Obama's pre-k plan President Obama鈥檚 Preschool for All plan is well intentioned but includes features that are not justified by research and won鈥檛 help it pass in Congress. The plan must make the following five adjustments.
The Monitor's ViewEthical consumers and the Bangladesh building collapseMore consumers act out of empathy after tragedies like the collapse of the Bangladesh garment factory building, forcing global companies to shape up their suppliers in other lands.
5 myths about amnesty for illegal immigrants in Senate bill Under a bipartisan Senate immigration bill, immigrants who have come to the United States illegally are given a "path to citizenship." On close inspection, each of the following five claims about the requirements for illegal immigrants to earn amnesty are not what they seem.- Readers RespondReaders Write: A smart alternative to school suspensionsLetter to the Editor for the May 13, 2013 weekly print issue:聽Suspensions lead to wasted educational opportunities and increasing absenteeism, truancy, and dropout rates.聽A holistic approach where trained community members and counselors work with students on a one-on-one basis keeps students in school, so they have a better chance of graduating and becoming productive citizens.
On guns: For a conversation rather than debate, start with these questionsIn trying to bridge the civic divide over guns, a productive approach to conversation is to focus not on who is right, but on where people are coming from. Questions developed at a recent public forum on guns, hosted by The Monitor, can be tools for less polarized dialogue on guns.
A better way to talk about guns in AmericaTragic events such as Sunday's Mother's Day parade shooting in New Orleans will fuel the debate over gun control in America, even if legislation is stalled.聽For a more productive conversation,聽what if we shelve policy debate and focus on聽understanding why people hold the views they do?- A better way to talk about guns in AmericaTragic events such as Sunday's Mother's Day parade shooting in New Orleans will fuel the debate over gun control in America, even if legislation is stalled.聽For a more productive conversation,聽what if we shelve policy debate and focus on聽understanding why people hold the views they do?
The Monitor's ViewPakistan election as a marker of global progressThe Pakistan election on Saturday put a former prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, back in power but that's not really the big story. Democracy itself advanced against Islamic terror and other woes facing Pakistan.
OpinionAnti-elite, anti-drone cricket star is best hope for Pakistan election 鈥� and for USCricket-star-turned-politician, Imran Khan, and his PTI party are best suited to lead Pakistan after its historic national election Saturday. Khan opposes US drone strikes, but a PTI victory would strengthen its democracy, the youth vote, and women's rights 鈥� making it a better US partner.
OpinionThis Mother's Day, I'm grateful for my mom's failure as a housekeeperOur house might have been messy, but we had loving relationships and meaningful work. My mom was busy 'having it all': raising two kids and pursuing a career. She聽was modeling a liberated womanhood that has shaped me more than my shame about our unkempt dining room.
The Monitor's ViewGlint of a Mideast peace as Turkey-Kurd pact plays outA peace deal to end a long, violent Middle East conflict between Turkey and its minority Kurds began Wednesday when PKK rebels began a retreat into Iraq under a cease-fire. Now Turkey must deliver its part of the bargain. Both sides recognize a new reality in the region.