All The Monitor's View
- Africa’s democratic road to economic unity
With the launch of an ambitious project to form a free-trade zone, Africa must also realize that trade is best enhanced when states are democratic.
- New Orleans’ thanks for post-Katrina volunteers
To mark the 10th anniversary of its devastating hurricane, New Orleans called on citizens to volunteer in service projects, a celebration of the generosity shown the city by private givers over the past decade.
- Taproot for Europe's migrant crisis
The largest share of refugees streaming into Europe is from Syria. Solving the war there is as important as dealing with the symptom of Syrians crossing the Mediterranean to find peace.
- As China’s economy cools, a hot debate on graft
Critics contend that China’s anti-corruption campaign has helped to slow the economy. But the evidence points to honest governance as better for growth, if integrity in officials can be promoted.
- Heroin addiction as a US campaign issue
A heroin epidemic in New Hampshire, which will hold the first presidential primary, has forced both Democratic and Republican candidates to address this nationwide problem. The surprising consensus is on the need for treatment versus jail time.
- Ignoring wrongs in Syria to battle Islamic State
The US cannot hope the Assad regime will contain Islamic State because the regime’s atrocities are a prime recruiting tool for IS.
- Loving the migrant but perhaps not migration policy
As immigration politics now dominate in Europe, attacks on refugees have led to grass-roots efforts to meet the basic needs of migrants. Compassion over politics is a needed step to resolve social tensions.
- After another China disaster, giving again in spotlight
The big blasts in Tianjin saw a charitable response by private groups, raising again the question of how to encourage generosity in countries like China.
- The right use of history in Asia’s future
As China plans a major event Sept. 3 to mark the anniversary of the end of World War II, it reveals much about differing paths for Asia. To prevent conflict, Asia must think less of power relationships and more of ideals that unite.
- Focus on Internet's potential more than its problems
In a coming global summit and in trade talks, leaders must not be gripped by fear of the Internet’s issues. Its benefits are still playing out, especially for the world’s poor.
- The Arab-Israeli courtship
Hints are growing of Israel and the Gulf kingdoms finding common ground, if only to oppose Iran and Islamic State. These initial ties should be the basis for a lasting peace.
- In a smaller world, giants must tread with care
With China’s surprise move on its exchange rate and the US due to raise interest rates, the time is ripe to reset global financial rules that soften the effects of economic nationalism.
- Iraqi leaders on the hot seat
A heat wave pushes Iraqis to demand the kind of honest government that can keep the power on and air conditioners running. Such demands are key to building an Iraqi identity and ending incursions by Islamic State and Iran.
- Haiti’s graduation to self-governance
The first of three elections may end Haiti’s political dysfunction and cycle of dependency if enough Haitians embrace democracy as the path to stable institutions.
- The gain in Spain goes mainly against the grain
With Europe’s highest growth so far this year, Spain’s economy has defied predictions that it would remain a eurozone laggard. Its turnaround is a lesson for Greece and others.
- Pulling Venezuela back from the brink
After making deals with Cuba and Iran, Obama may now be trying to negotiate a deal with Venezuela. With the country in dire crisis, this longtime US adversary needs the help.
- Transparency in sports anti-doping efforts
An investigation of doping tests for many Olympic athletes suggests the need for further reform in curbing performance-boosting drugs.
- The honey vs. vinegar dilemma for China, Russia
As their militaries expand their spheres of influence, China and Russia find resistance from groupings of nations designed on the power of attraction, not coercion.
- A universal answer to religious violence
In rallies and protests Saturday, Israelis and Palestinian decried an attack on an innocent family in the West Bank. This rare case of unity reflects the effort by many theologians of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity to define a common Abrahamic doctrine that ensures peace.
- In a financial crisis, credibility counts
The three largest economies have faced financial crises since 2008. The US and Europe are recovering while China’s leaders must regain credibility after a stock-market snafu.