All The Monitor's View
Who can inspire civility in the presidential campaign?As the Trump and Clinton campaigns heat up the rhetoric, those who have already occupied the White House set a higher tone by their mutual respect toward each other. Perhaps the current candidates can learn now what they may learn later.
Jordan’s small light in a dark MideastEven as the region becomes more violent and despotic, an election in Jordan reveals progress for women and a shift by the Muslim Brotherhood toward inclusivity and secular rule.
Company transparency on climate changeA global body will soon come up with a standard for how companies can reveal the risks of climate change on their business. For now, such ‘sustainability’ accounting rules should remain voluntary.
Japan turns silver into goldFaced with being the world’s most rapidly aging society, Japan has decided to see the demographic challenge as a ‘bonus’ rather than an ‘onus,’ forcing it to be more innovative and to view old folks in a new light.
Can honesty be rewarded at banks?One overlooked lesson from the Wells Fargo bank scandal needs more attention: Banks must hire, train, and encourage workers with high moral reasoning. In Wells Fargo, such workers were the real heroes.
New York terrorist attacks: 'Ground Zeal' againIn light of the Sept. 17 terrorist bombings in New York and New Jersey, as well as the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we are republishing this 2002 Monitor editorial on the “forward step” needed after such attacks.
The Outward Bound way to prevent police shootingsLong-time police reformer Bill Bratton called for empathy between Black Lives Matter and police advocates. In Baltimore, police and city youth are being taught just that – in trees.
When foreign leaders praise US bipartisanshipMyanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi is the latest foreign leader to thank both Democrats and Republicans for their long support. Such gratitude from abroad can help remind Americans of the value of bipartisanship in foreign policy – and perhaps on domestic issues, too.
Syrian truce’s first goal: aiding civiliansA fragile truce in a brutal war was driven in large part by humanitarian concerns. That aim must remain, amid other motives, to help heal a broken Syria.
Income up. Inequality down. But what of rural folk?Median income in the US rose at its fastest rate last year while inequality shrank. Yet incomes outside metro areas fell. Rural Americans must be included in the ‘communities of thinkers’ that are the nation’s cities
Germany's test of generosity and identityAfter welcoming 1 million fleeing people, Germans now struggle to integrate them. They are being forced to look deep at what binds their country.
An express lesson for Wells Fargo and other banksReform of the world financial system since 2008 has made it stronger, yet a massive scandal at Wells Fargo highlights the ongoing need to build ethical resilience into the industry.
A judge’s insight on how to care for studentsA Connecticut judge orders reform of the state’s public schools to help poor students. But unlike similar court rulings, he focuses less on money and more on how to achieve student success. Other states should take notice.
Reason to pause on pot legalizationIn Colorado, the first state to start selling legal marijuana, an anti-pot rebellion has begun in Pueblo County. Other states that will vote on legalization in November should take notice.
For those who paint dark futures, the past offers a different paletteNearly half of Americans see no hope of a better future, a mood that politicians easily prey on. Yet new books by scholars comb history to show why progress in ideas marches on.
A hard lesson for China’s soft powerAn election in Hong Kong shows how much Beijing must improve on being a power known for attractive ideals, not its coercion of others.
Poor democracies that aren't poor in demanding honestyIn ousting a president who symbolized a corrupt elite, Brazil joins many other developing nations whose citizens have demanded honesty in elected government. Brazil can take lessons from anti-graft successes in India, Indonesia, and Nigeria.
Goodnight, pre-K gapA study pops an inequality myth in finding American kids are not only better prepared for early schooling but those from lower-income or minority homes saw a reduced gap with white kids. One probable cause: better qualities of character.
Iraq’s opportunity in the battle for MosulAs Iraq prepares to retake its second-largest city from Islamic State, it can use the expected victory to renew efforts to restore an historic harmony between Sunnis and Shiites.
Europe’s post-Brexit identity searchA Sept. 16 summit of the remaining EU leaders must start a deep search for what binds the European Union other than economic convenience and preventing war and atrocities.
