All Opinion
4 ways you can take action on the Middle East and North Africa water crisis The Stimson Center's Russell Sticklor argues in a recent op-ed for the Monitor that more attention must be paid to a looming water crisis in the Middle East and North Africa. Here, Sticklor offers four ways that individuals can learn about and help combat water scarcity.
Global ViewpointWith Syria, Iran, has Obama broken the mold in US foreign policy?Could it be that Obama’s supposed weakness and vacillation on Syria and Iran is actually an 'aha' moment? Is it the first glimmer of wisdom in the dark tunnel of disastrous policy that has defined the decades since America seized the poisoned chalice of the 'world’s sole superpower?'
House Republicans would be foolish not to pass comprehensive immigration reformThe government shutdown and looming debt-ceiling debate shouldn't prevent House Republicans from tackling comprehensive immigration reform. A practical, common-ground solution could improve America's fiscal health and it's what the majority of voters are calling for.
Why Wall Street should rethink its alliance with the GOPIn light of the US government shutdown and looming debt ceiling deadline, Wall Street should shift its traditional GOP alliance to Democrats. Republican extremism is threatening US credibility and markets. Wall Street's clout can help reshape America's fiscal future.
Democrats forced government shutdown. GOP is just trying to protect US from Obamacare.Conservatives in Congress do believe in funding the government, but also want to save the American people from Obamacare’s harmful effects. Unfortunately, Democrats have insisted that the only way they will keep the government open is if Congress funds every last word of that law.
The tea party created an existential threat to America, not ObamacareBy pretending that the Affordable Care Act poses such an existential risk to the republic that it merits dragging our national character through the mud of a government shutdown, tea party Republicans are belittling the very real crises America soon may face.
Government shutdown? Here's an example of working together at the state levelLast year I broke ranks with majority Democrats to work with Republicans on the Washington state budget. I got angry emails and the cold shoulder, but I helped produce a historic bipartisan budget. To find common ground, you first have to find the courage to step onto it.
How to win the next Mideast war – over waterThe Middle East and North Africa – the world’s most water-scarce region – will soon face a severe water crisis. That could create an even greater challenge than today's upheavals. More attention must be paid to the problem. Conservation, communication, education, and technology can help.
Arne Duncan: Why I am optimistic about education in AmericaDuring the past 4-1/2 years, and on my recent bus tour of the Southwest, I saw great principals and teachers; courageous leaders from the business, faith, and nonprofit sectors; engaged parents; and communities pulling together to serve students. Education is a shared responsibility.
US signature on Arms Trade Treaty will help end wars and protect civiliansOn Sept. 25, US Secretary of State John Kerry signed the Arms Trade Treaty, which has the potential to make a real difference in reducing the deadly consequences of the irresponsible global arms trade and protect innocent civilians. It deserves the world's full support.
3 views on NSA reform In this One Minute Debate, three writers offer their views on NSA surveillance and reforms.
The only US policy on Iran that will work: common groundA successful US policy on Iran will have to thread the needle between two camps – those who believe the US must do more to convince Iran it is wiling to compromise and those pushing for unrelenting pressure on Iran, even the threat of military strikes.
Four reasons why Obama's critics on Syria have it wrong Critics who say Obama lost foreign-policy ground to Russia, Assad, and Putin on the Syria crisis have it just plain wrong. Here are four reasons why the critics are mistaken.
Stand up to the biggest bully in the room: mental illnessTeen suicide and school shootings are blamed on bullying. Mental illness is the far more likely culprit. We need to expand mental-health services in schools and in society, not hamstring our educators with complicated and draconian 'bullying' laws.
Global ViewpointObama must seize diplomatic opening with Iran to help end Syria crisisDiplomacy is alive again at the United Nations this week. And it's deeply needed. President Obama should make clear to Iran’s President Hasan Rouhani that Iran would be welcome to participate in a conference to discuss an end to the civil war in Syria.
How President Rouhani and Ayatollah Khamenei could reform IranIranians and Westerners see hope in President Rouhani's UN visit today. But even with the backing of the supreme leader, reforming Iran's economy will be a difficult task for Rouhani, especially as he must challenge the power of the Revolutionary Guard and intelligence services.
With Rouhani as president, time for US to try new approach on IranAmerica's usual tack on Iran's nuclear program hasn't worked. The US should test the intentions of Iran's new President Hasan Rouhani, who visits the UN today, by trying a new approach: capitalizing on areas where US and Iranian interests align, such as Afghanistan, or even Iraq.
Video chat with 'Israel loves Iran' founder: Can Facebook meme end nuclear standoff?Ronny Edry's Facebook page, 'Israel loves Iran,' has become a social media sensation. In a Google+hangout interview, he explains how his page 'is changing minds.' Who knows? Maybe Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu will 'like' it.
Liberia, a remarkable African success story, still needs helpOn the doorstep of extremist-led instability in West Africa, Liberia may be the most remarkable post-conflict success story of the modern era. But a paradox threatens to unravel the country's hard-won gains: Despite progress, central drivers of violence remain.
As UN meets, apply pressure against blasphemy lawsBlasphemy and other religious-defamation laws in Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and even Russia put people behind bars and on death row. As the UN General Assembly begins, these countries must be put under intense pressure to conform to global human rights standards.
