All The Monitor's View
- The heart of Iran's debate on a nuclear deal
With a victory for its moderates in the 'framework' agreement, Iran and its Islamic Revolution may take a turn toward reform – or a less coercive brand of religion upon individual conscience.
- A challenge to the fashion industry's body ideals
French lawmakers tentatively approved a ban on ultra-thin models and have taken other steps that hint the fashion industry must rethink its influence over women's view of their individual worth.
- British election: a hunt for ingenuity
As the campaign starts for a May 7 election, politicians debate Britain's need for innovation in business. Other countries should follow this British battle over how to boost productivity growth, which has been close to zero for years.
- Nigeria's precedent for peaceful democracy
One key to Nigeria's historic presidential election, in which an incumbent lost, was a peace committee that worked to mediate disputes and suppress violence. It set a model for the rest of Africa.
- Lessons from Germanwings crash on mental disability
The pilot who crashed the Germanwings plane hid his mental problems from his employer. But did he need to? Better ways are needed to help the mentally disabled come forward and to treat them.
- Forbearance and religious liberty
The national storm over Indiana's religious freedom law at least pushes state lawmakers to now prevent another form of discrimination. Balancing rights and the interests of minorities requires forbearance and charity.
- The frontline in liberating child soldiers
The international war in Yemen comes after a surge in the recruitment of children by armed groups and the military. An end to the conflict must focus on renewing the UN's efforts to protect Yemen's teenagers from being pressed into battle.
- One more reason state lotteries are a ticket to nowhere
Many states that expose big winners of a lottery are weighing the need for privacy and protection in the digital age. Yet government also want transparency. Such contradiction show why governments should not be peddling 'luck.'
- A legacy in Singapore for how countries can rise above ethnicity
The death of Singapore founder Lee Kuan Yew recalls how his tiny country of mainly Chinese influenced China. One lesson still not learned in Beijing: How Lee rose above Chinese ethnicity to set a national identity.
- US advice to others it could use itself
The two Afghan leaders pushed into a coalition last year by the US are visiting Washington, a reminder of how the US helps other nations bridge their political chasms even if it can’t do the same. One lesson for all: Lincoln’s ‘team of rivals.’
- Serbia plants a seed for peace in Europe
Once a source for war, Serbia has arrested eight men accused of killings in Europe's largest atrocity since the Nazis. Its move suggests it is closer to helping build a peaceful Continent.
- Remodeling the Muslim response to terror attacks
As the Islamic State and other groups step up attacks in the Mideast and North Africa, the responses of each country matter even more – and reveal sharp differences. Which response will best lead to peace?
- Mexico's high expectations of peace
As killings drop in Mexico, a study measures the country's potential for peace. It finds attitudes and institutions in place that give Mexico a 'peace surplus.'
- After a divisive election, Israel needs 'to heal'
The March 17 election was a victory for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But the harsh campaign left too many rips in Israeli society and in ties with the US. Much mending will be needed.
- Colombia's virtuous path to peace
In talks to end six decades of civil war, the government and the rebel group FARC agree on minor humanitarian steps, such as demining, a truth commission, and rural development. These may create trust and empathy for making the hard compromises for reconciliation.
- Human trafficking: bottom-up solutions
Both the US and Britain are moving to stem sex and labor trafficking. But those involved in the problem say each community must rethink views of the victims and embrace them with aid and support.
- A $5 billion downpayment on Ukraine's future
The first IMF financial aid to Ukraine reflects an astounding turnaround in civic reform and national identity, despite Russia's threats and a deep legacy of corruption.
- Brazil scores a big goal – for rule of law
With a huge scandal at the state oil company, Brazil's high court approves a probe of top politicians, reflecting a rising popular demand for an end to impunity of the powerful and a greater respect for equality under rule of law.
- The nonmilitary victories in Iraq's battle of Tikrit
The Iraqi Army's advance against Islamic State in the city of Tikrit reflects not only a military win but greater inclusion of Sunni and Shiite and, perhaps, a decline in Iraq's cycle of revenge killings.
- German lessons for an Asia riven by history
During a trip to Tokyo, German leader Angela Merkel assisted Japan, China, and South Korea with insights on how postwar Germany and the rest of Europe reconciled. Will they listen?