All Editorials
OpinionWhat poetry could teach a divided AmericaA good poem reminds us not only of who we are, but what it鈥檚 like to be someone else.聽Such exercises in empathy can strengthen our capacity for compromise. America would be better off if more of us read poetry this National Poetry Month 鈥� and throughout the rest of the year.
OpinionIran nuclear talks: Citizen diplomacy would build trustAs the next round of nuclear talks between Iran and the world powers begins today in Almaty, Kazakhstan, both Iran and the United States should encourage their citizens 鈥� clerics, scientists, athletes, doctors, artists, businessmen, and teachers 鈥� to meet and work together.
The Monitor's ViewFacebook 'Home' as metaphor for an innovative economyThe new Facebook 'Home' is designed for a pure social experience, or encouraging more collaboration 鈥� the very quality needed to drive innovation in the workplace and spur economic growth.
OpinionIn Syria, the only way out is a political dealAs in Northern Ireland, no matter how much the warring sides in Syria struggle for a battlefield win, fighting is unlikely to bring either side a real victory. The main parties need to sit down and negotiate a mutually agreed political transition and power-sharing plan for afterward.
OpinionAtlanta cheating scandal and Lance Armstrong: How to avoid 'ethical slip'The Atlanta educators charged with cheating and cyclist Lance Armstrong both fell prey to 'ethical slip' 鈥� when little by little, each adjusted his or her own internal compass to point the way of the growing crowd. Self-reflection and friendship can help prevent us from losing our true north.
The Monitor's ViewAustralia's example in healing the sexually abusedA special panel begins work taking testimony from Australians sexually abused as children in institutions, such as churches and police stations. Allowing victims to speak will be a first step toward personal healing and national reform.
OpinionIran and world powers should focus on action steps for short-term agreementAs Iran and the world powers prepare for the next round of talks in Kazakhstan on April 5-6, their focus should be on what is politically and logistically achievable at this stage 鈥� clear steps that will help address the immediate concerns of both sides.
OpinionLiberal hypocrisy on Bloomberg's moneyed fight for gun controlPresident Obama heads to Colorado today in his push for gun control 鈥� a cause NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg has spent millions to support. Liberals who usually oppose the influence of money in politics are now praising Bloomberg. Such hypocrisy undermines their cause.
The Monitor's ViewHow a Wal-Mart struggle in India shows world progressStung by a case of corruption in Mexico, Wal-Mart pushes its Indian associates to be squeaky clean. Such action shows the global effects of a US anti-corruption law.
Global ViewpointCan Latin America resist a return to its populist past?The interventionist role of the military has mostly disappeared in Latin America. But the temptation of populist politics is greater than ever in some countries, while others are resisting the short-term demands of voters in favor of the long-term sustainability of society. Here's a look at six countries.- Global ViewpointCan Latin America resist a return to its populist past?The interventionist role of the military has mostly disappeared in Latin America. But the temptation of populist politics is greater than ever in some countries, while others are resisting the short-term demands of voters in favor of the long-term sustainability of society. Here's a look at six countries.
OpinionEU should welcome Ukraine as a partner for Europe's own goodUkraine is important to Europe as a source of economic growth and energy security, as well as a bridge to Russia. Western interests and values are best served by engaging Ukraine as a solid European partner.
The Monitor's ViewAmid another North Korea storm, look who's calmSouth Koreans, unlike many around the world, don't react with fear to North Korea's verbal and nuclear threats. Why this wise reaction?
OpinionAre US drones ethical?Whether drones should be used in the US is the wrong question. Americans should be asking: Is it ethical to use drones anywhere?聽Is it fair to search for security for ourselves at the expense of perpetual insecurity for others?
OpinionThink you know the Reagan and Bush era? Think again.Political events in the era of Presidents Reagan and Bush senior have great relevance to today, from budget cuts ('sequestration') to President Obama's agenda. But this history is often remembered incorrectly, or not at all 鈥� to the detriment of America's political discourse.
A balance worth tippingConflict-prevention programs in schools aim to shift the view of students, to encourage them that there is something to live for, that life isn鈥檛 unfair, and that school is worth their time and attention.
Trees, meet forestNavigating an unfamiliar city is a breeze with turn-by-turn directions on Google Maps or other such applications. But are we losing the big-picture view of where we are going?- Readers RespondReaders Write: The tyranny of America's pro-gun majority; Do guns make us safer?Letters to the Editor for the April 1, 2013 weekly print issue:聽Those who want more gun regulation may be in the minority, and those who are anti-regulation in majority, but each must accommodate the other.聽If more guns means more safety, why does America 鈥� with the highest gun ownership rate in the world 鈥� have the second highest rate of gun deaths among industrialized nations?
The Monitor's ViewIn Atlanta test-cheating scandal, a case for 'good apples'Indictments of 35 Atlanta educators in a test-cheating scandal may be shocking. But preventing such scandals requires a refocus on tapping the conscience of public servants to choose honesty.
OpinionIndia won't be 'the world's largest democracy' until it upholds human rightsTwenty-five years ago, India suspended part of its Constitution and launched a brutal campaign against Sikh separatists in its Punjab province. Today, India must provide reparations to the victims and vow to uphold human rights, especially in Kashmir and the northeast states.