All The Monitor's View
Focus on Internet's potential more than its problemsIn 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 courtshipHints 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 careWith 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 seatA 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-governanceThe 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 grainWith 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 brinkAfter 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 effortsAn 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, RussiaAs 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 violenceIn 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 countsThe 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.
Debt relief for Greece? Rules first.After five years of temporary fixes to Greek debt, some debt relief for the country is now a live topic. As new talks begin for a bailout loan, both lenders and Greece must keep emotions at bay.
Global drive on corruption should start at homeSoon after Britain asked world leaders to expose corruption, it decided to tackle money laundering in London’s property market. The best leadership against graft is taking action against it.
How to rescue South SudanPresident Obama helped create the new country of South Sudan, and now he’s trying to save it from a violent civil war. He and others must first focus on building national identity and social trust.
Turkey’s motives in its war on Islamic StateFirst the Iran nuclear deal and now Turkey’s strategic decision to hit Islamic State in Syria has shaken the Middle East. Both events, however, should be seen as possible steps toward peace.
Obama’s trip to Africa changes a narrativeThe highlight of Obama’s trip to Africa will be a summit on how to support entrepreneurs. US support for start-up businesses reflects a different approach to lifting the continent.
Talks with the Taliban: Can Afghanistan set an example?The Afghan government held its first-ever talks with the Taliban, and if a second round occurs in coming days, a strong precedent may be set for negotiating peace with violent Islamic groups.
Vigilance that prevents domestic terrorismThe Chattanooga shootings, coming soon after the Charleston killings, call for better ways to reach troubled young men tempted by extreme views.
After Iran, is North Korea next?Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran is based on faith in Iran changing in 10 to 15 years and becoming less threatening. His approach should now be tested with North Korea.
Taiwan's model of women leadersAsia’s next step in its progress toward democracy will be a presidential election in Taiwan in which one of two women candidates will be elected in her own right.
