All The Monitor's View
Exit the EU? What Britain should be asking.A June referendum on whether Britain should stay in the European Union has focused mainly on the economic impact. A great power with immense ‘soft power’ needs to also look at its global contributions.
Endgame for an opiate epidemicWhen US governors met in Washington, their focus was on novel ways to deal with a rise in nonmedical use of prescription opiates. Vermont’s governor had some answers.
Apple court case takes a bite on libertyA court’s order for Apple to assist the FBI in hacking a terrorist’s iPhone is about more than security or privacy. It also raises questions about coercing individuals or companies to act on behalf of government.
For the Mideast, an anniversary to rememberThe 25th anniversary of the Gulf War liberated Kuwait from Iraqi rule – and it helped leave Kuwait as a relatively good counterpoint to the region’s extremism.
A morality tale in Argentina’s debt epiphanyA newly elected president is near a deal to end Argentina’s long debt woes. The country’s 15-year saga provides a lesson for a world awash in red ink.
Oil’s fall may be democracy’s riseThe biggest oil producers, which are trying to prop up global prices, are also among the last countries to make reforms that will lift them from a ‘resource curse.’
Reclaim civility for the 2016 electionsAs presidential candidates slip toward slurs and shouting, other leaders as well as citizens must preserve the power of civility in public discourse.
Unsung heroes who rescue Syria’s refugeesAs peace talks falter and the war in Syria escalates, one good constant has been the compassionate welcome and rescue of refugees by common residents in neighboring states. Good examples can be found on Greek islands.
Making the world safe for anti-corruption whistle-blowersA Ukrainian official’s resignation over corruption prompts an unusually strong response from world bodies. The global campaign against official wrongdoing has made it easier for many people to stand up for honest governance.
Hong Kong’s lessons in coping with ChinaA Feb. 8 riot and police crackdown in Hong Kong reveals the harsher hand of China but also a dilemma for the territory on how to deal with Beijing’s fear of dissent. The world must watch how Hong Kong decides.
Mercy for Myanmar's military?As she and her winning party prepare to run Parliament, Aung San Suu Kyi faces pressure from the military’s millions of victims for revenge. She wisely argues to allow the Army to reform.
Fixing both Flint and its water pipesThe water-pollution tragedy in Flint deserves quick solutions but the city’s citizens, led by a new mayor, are also rightly looking at rebuilding the trust necessary to improve democratic governance.
Lessons for Syria from ColombiaAs it nears a historic peace deal to end a long civil war, Colombia’s leaders say the key was giving the victims of the conflict a seat at the table. It created a tender mutuality and compassion that eased the peace process.
Winning peace for minorities in Muslim landsEnding terrorist attacks on religious minorities will require more than weapons. Since 9/11, more scholars are challenging Muslims and others to embrace ideas that prevent religious violence.
Iowa’s eye-opener on what America’s youth seekThree of the four winners in the Iowa caucuses are anti-establishment politicians who drew strongly on under-35 voters. Will America’s future be defined by the youth vote in this presidential contest?
US role in ending a Central American warGangs are so big in El Salvador that the region is in a virtual war that has spillover effects in the US. The solution lies in keeping young people out of the gangs.
Why US can’t ignore Colorado’s pot ‘experiment’Evidence keeps rolling in that the Rocky Mountain state’s marijuana legalization, in clear violation of federal drug laws, has negative spillovers. If federal officials won’t act, other states should take heed of legal weed.
The year of living more honestlyA global ranking of countries on corruption finds more are improving. Are people more demanding of honest governance? If so, they are taking different paths.
A calm lesson for the Zika scare from the Ebola crisisThe 2014-15 Ebola outbreak taught health workers some lessons that can be used to stem Zika. First lesson: Fear of an epidemic should not be allowed to create an epidemic of fear.
Another model of Christian-Muslim harmony?Talks to reunify the Mediterranean island of Cyprus are looking up, perhaps adding a new voice to others in the region that Muslim-Christian coexistence is possible. That’s a key tool against Islamic State.
