All The Monitor's View
Can the US really disengage from the world?So many nations have come to expect a global order based on shared values, often under US leadership, that President-elect Trump may be indicating flexibility on his ‘America First’ stance. Just look at two of his top foreign-policy appointments.
Thanks for the new giversFrom #GivingTuesday to ‘giving circles,’ the forms of generosity are changing as young people seek closer bonds to the people and the causes that receive their time and money. They deserve thanks during this giving season.
Tunisia's hopes for truth to set it freeTo reconcile a nation torn by a brutal past, victims of past oppression in Tunisia are allowed to air their experiences in hopes their repressors will repent. A ‘truth’ commission aims to prevent cycles of revenge, setting a model for the Middle East.
Why Trump’s ‘forgotten’ must include the homelessThe latest data again confirms a steady decline in homelessness, a result of local and federal efforts under both Obama and Bush. The key has been housing for the homeless and volunteers who form trusting bonds.
An end to Trump’s politics of anger?President Obama credits Trump’s victory to working-class anger at globalization. But globalization may not be the prime villain, and anger must be replaced by constructive empathy.
Peace pact 2.0 to end Colombia’s warIn one of the grandest experiments in restorative justice, Colombia has a new peace pact aimed at ending a long war. The key element that was missing: restitution to victims by the war’s perpetrators.
What Trump’s win may say about money in politicsClinton lost despite a much bigger campaign war chest, raising doubts about money buying elections. Are voters more savvy in judging well-funded campaigns?
A new take on holiday givingThanksgiving marks the start of the ‘giving season,’ but this year a new trend shows how people are seeking to give in more meaningful ways.
Where Trump’s success is everyone’s successTo bind the nation, Democrats and Republicans must quickly agree to solve a common problem: rebuilding the nation’s roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. It would be an easy win-win, setting a healing tone.
President-elect Trump’s humble requestTo heal the election’s bitter aftermath, Trump asked for ‘guidance’ from his opponents. If he follows through, he could learn from state and local leaders who often practice the qualities needed for bipartisanship.
A glare of honesty on black moneyIndia becomes the latest country to crack down on the ‘black economy’ of criminals and tax cheats by withdrawing its largest currency bills. Corruption cannot thrive if money is traceable.
Either Trump or Clinton – the winner defies age biasVoters seemed to care little about either candidate’s age, a welcome shift in attitudes. Studies show many seniors are blowing past 'retirement age' with creativity and energy.
An ancient cure for war-torn SyriaAs the conflict escalates in Aleppo and Raqqa, many Syrians are preparing for peace by rekindling the country’s legacy as the place that first gave evidence of divine worship and the idea that diverse people can live together.
The moral victory in the battle for MosulHow the Iraqi Army treats the city’s civilians, both during and after the battle, will determine the country’s future. Humanitarian law in war can serve a peaceful purpose.
The measure of civic virtues in a lost letterResearchers keep probing for ways to measure civic engagement. Globally, it is alive and well, as the act of helping strangers in need is the most common form of giving back.
Britain's rethink of gamblingA new government asks for a review of gambling, especially betting machines and gambling ads that reach children. It should also look at weaning gamblers off a belief in luck as the road to riches.
A Mideast beachhead for reconciliationLebanon’s election of a new president not only marks its own attempt to reconcile religious factions but shows how Lebanon can be a model for other Middle East countries caught in religious violence.
Praise for Panama’s shift to honest businessThe Central American country, once a major haven for tax evaders, has quickly joined the global campaign for transparency between countries in declaring foreign assets. It deserves more gratitude for a swift change of heart.
Africa’s challenge to universal justiceSouth Africa, Gambia, and Burundi plan to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. While disappointing, their move cannot end the steady progress to establish universal ideals and norms of justice.
The task ahead for the 2016 election winnersThe American political mood is dark and pessimistic just now. This will force those elected in November to listen even more to those they oppose. What they find may surprise them.
