Commentary | The Monitor's View
- A graceful renewal of Notre-Dame Cathedral
The workers who restored the Gothic icon in Paris after a devastating fire celebrate eternal qualities in their skill and artistry. That speaks to real worship.
- Look who seeks Ethiopia’s postwar healing
Local communities start the process of justice and reconciliation two years after one of Africa’s worst wars.
- A ride for freedom in China
Masses of young people taking lengthy bike rides at night express both joy and liberty in public spaces. The ruling party wants them to backpedal.
- Europe’s path for a just migration
Judges challenge Italy’s plan to send asylum-seekers to a third country, another step in the continent's drive to balance compassion and rule of law.
- A shield for Gaza’s innocent
The enclave’s most respected Islamic scholar challenges Hamas for purposely putting innocent people in harm’s way. His religious ruling might hasten peace.
- The election’s other message
In states and counties, a desire for governing by consensus compels more listening to opponents.
- Voter nostalgia for harmony, balance
Exit polls in the U.S. election hint at a strong desire for a balanced economy and civic peace.
- Mud boots of empathy in Spain
A flood of goodwill from volunteers after a historic rainstorm shows that a society can bond in affection beyond sharp political divisions.
- Democracy’s gems in Botswana
A shift in power after 58 years marks a turn toward valuing ordinary citizens as a source of economic diversity and renewal.
- The delights of US democracy
Local celebrations of the election process help remind Americans of democracy’s resiliency while boosting their well-being.
- The light in Cuba
An acute electricity crisis in the island nation may be stirring accountability and transparency.
- Creativity as a small nation’s defense
Armenia, surrounded by bigger countries, tries to make itself indispensable by becoming a Silicon Valley in a precarious region.
- American politics at its best
Beyond the national divisions of the presidential race, civility and neighborly trust largely reign in local government.
- Trading up to higher skills
Behind the popularity of career and technical training in education lies a stronger desire among young people to find purpose.
- Democrats begin soul-searching – and finger-pointing – after devastating loss
- They took up arms to fight Russia. They’ve taken up pens to express themselves.
- Ukraine’s Pokrovsk was about to fall to Russia 2 months ago. It’s hanging on.
- What Trump’s historic victory says about America
- Worries rise over a Trump ‘warrior board’ to remove officers ‘unfit for leadership’