All The Monitor's View
- 'Nut rage' and other affairs of nepotism
South Koreans debate their big, family-dominated businesses after an incident involving the daughter of Korean Air's chairman. From India to Saudi Arabia, clannish governance and ruling by bloodlines are under scrutiny.
- Europe must unite after Charlie Hebdo attack
The assault on press liberty in the killings at the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo is only the latest crisis to befall Europe. Yet it should trigger a return to Europe's moral foundations.
- How debt mercy helps drive US recovery
Debt 'deleveraging' in the US since the Great Recession has helped put many people and companies back on their feet. As painful as a bankruptcy or foreclosure may be, the US excels at giving second chances.
- Lessons in hospitality plant seeds of peace
The Arab and Turkish welcome of refugees from the long war in Syria sets an example of hospitality for the West. It creates both a moral counterpoint to the Islamic State and gratitude among refugees that may help peace efforts.
- Russia and Ukraine: a contest less of war and more of governance
Last year, Russia and Ukraine were in a military contest. This year, with each facing steep economic decline, they have turned inward in what can be seen as a contest of domestic reform. With its new-found freedoms, Ukraine may win.
- Lessons for any company in AirAsia plane crash
After the demise of AirAsia Flight 8501, the company CEO quickly apologized, comforted families of the victims, and sought solutions. In the history of corporate mea culpas, this one stands out.
- Merkel's history-making style for Germany
The world's most connected country has seen its leader emerge as a well-connected global leader. Merkel's style of diplomacy will be tested in 2015, as it was in 2014 during the Ukraine crisis with Russia.
- Fixing the 'broken windows' of police
The killings of blacks by police in 2014 will continue to stir reform in 2015. One idea is to apply the crime-busting strategy known as ‘broken windows’ to police themselves, accepting zero tolerance of even minor abuses.
- Erasing borders of the mind
International travel is growing, opening up new views of humanity. Cuba represents one new destination ready to reward the curious traveler.
- A new year, a warming economy
With the US economy growing faster than it has in more than a decade, the recovery may finally be broadening to include Main Street America.
- Amid bowl game hoopla: What about education?
College football teams have become valuable brand names that promote their universities. But do they offer players a real education in return?
- Why Tunisia's election matters
A largely peaceful and honest vote provides a basis for further progress and keeps the high hopes of the Arab Spring alive.
- The burden of Colorado's pot tourism
Since Colorado legalized marijuana in 2014, it has placed a law-enforcement burden on neighboring states in coping with pot tourists. Now two border states want help from the Supreme Court. They deserve it.
- When children stand up to terror
After the mass killing of children in Pakistan, students in India hold vigils or say prayers for the victims. Such cross-border empathy by children should not only change leaders in Pakistan and India but help global efforts against terrorism.
- Obama's Cuban invasion
In opening official ties with Cuba, President Obama made sure to focus on the Cuban people more than the Castro regime. Globalization, such as the Internet, has empowered individuals, making governments less important to the forces of change.
- Taliban massacre of children: how Pakistan must now change
The Taliban massacre of school children, meant to avenge a military offensive, has stirred political leaders to unite. Perhaps this will lead to firm civilian control of the military and put an end to leniency toward all types of armed groups outside state authority.
- A Middle East ripe for vision
Despite its many woes, the region of 350 million people has enough potent possibilities to call for an overarching vision. Any prophets, however, may not arise among current leaders, but rather among the people.
- A universal hug in climate change pact
For the first time, all nations agree to take some action on global warming. While the deeds may be minimal and voluntary, the collective nature of the Lima Accord can help alleviate fears and lead to a treaty in 2015.
- Love from China's famed dissident
After years in prison for his convictions, Liu Xiaobo sends a message that he has 'no personal enemies.' Like other famed dissidents in history, he may find strength in embracing his persecutors.
- 'Senate torture report': a window on rules of war
The Senate Intelligence Committee report on CIA interrogations of terrorism suspects should serve as a springboard for a global effort to enforce the rules of war.