All The Monitor's View
- Backing aid heroes in world conflicts
Today's wars are setting near records in refugees, need for aid money – and aid workers killed. Bringing peace requires more than arms or diplomacy. It needs more compassion toward the displaced.
- A light on Iran's dark powers
Iran's president calls an end to the consolidation of power, which may be a challenge to rule by ayatollah. His words reflect a need to balance power in government based on the equality and dignity of each citizen.
- How to fix police-black distrust
Calls for reform of police after the killing of blacks in the US must include more ways to build trust and inclusiveness in cities. Worldwide, as more people live in cities, urban life needs constant work toward mutual dependence.
- Russia's march toward self-reliance
As its oil revenue drops and Western sanctions over Ukraine take hold, Russia seeks to cut its economic dependence. Yet the history of prosperity shows the need for nations to share in mutual dependence.
- With fewer young people gambling, time for a government rethink
Despite a proliferation of casinos and lotteries, fewer Americans are playing, especially those under 30. Now is a good time to question government backing of an industry that targets youths.
- When companies come clean on bribery
A global report on foreign corruption reveals a high rate of self-reporting by companies that paid bribes, a sign of the momentum to curb graft in both business and government.
- Spotting the inviolate in oil price volatility
As oil prices fall and OPEC tries to influence markets, the world again faces uncertainty in energy costs. Yet after decades of price fluctuations, this may have an upside.
- A pulpit rebuke of Nigeria's terrorists
After a horrific suicide bombing at a Nigerian mosque Friday, the country's second-leading Islamic figure offered prayers at the site and denounced Boko Haram for its pretense of being Islamic. Such a public rebuke should set an example for other Muslim leaders.
- Why rage lingers after Ferguson jury decision
Protests over a grand jury clearing a white policeman in the shooting of an unarmed black man in Ferguson, Mo., may reflect a nationwide mood that the 'system is stacked against me.' President Obama can address this popular alienation, as he has in the past.
- In Iran-West nuclear talks, a new deadline is a lifeline
By not walking away from their talks after the Nov. 24 deadline, Iran and the US-led big powers indicate progress has been made amid a rising level of trust. That trust must be further built up to persuade each side's hardline critics that a deal is viable.
- In praise of a global sacrifice
From India to Indonesia, more leaders are reducing fuel subsidies, and not only for economic reasons. Doing so also helps reduce inequality, curb carbon pollution, and free up money to directly aid the poor.
- A Thanksgiving lesson for Obama's immigration move
President Obama's move to shield many illegal immigrants from deportation came just before Thanksgiving. There is a lesson in that first close encounter between English settlers and native Americans.
- Post-crisis, the world reconnects its dots
Measures of globalization show a rebound of connectedness since the 2008 economic crisis. Tracking what unites people is more critical than identifying what splinters them.
- Merkel challenges Putin's worldview
The crisis over Ukraine has escalated to Russia making power plays in many parts of Europe. The German leader wisely says the issue is one of international law and values, not a clash over spheres of influence.
- A beheading that fails to intimidate
The parents of Peter Kassig, who was beheaded by Islamic State militants, ask people to remember his 'work.' That work – bringing health and aid to those suffering in a conflict zone – is a humanitarian principle that cannot be killed.
- The air ball in NBA's call for sports gambling
The NBA commissioner wants Congress to allow sports gambling. The NHL commissioner does not. In this contest, merit-based sports must win, not the belief in luck.
- Catch a comet, catch some inspiration
Europe's landing of the Philae probe on a comet from the Rosetta orbiter reflects not only a remarkable feat, it also shows why nations use space exploration to spur Earth-bound inspiration and innovation.
- US-China pacts: a leap for universal values
In a surprise, China and the US sign four agreements – on climate, trade, military, and visas – that signal a breakthrough in embracing common values. For China, this is a huge change from not accepting the universality of values.
- How to direct Mexican fury over gang killings
The gang killings of 43 students sparks outrage over local organized crime and President Peña Nieto’s security policies. Yet at least three cities have set models for how to curb gang violence and increase respect for rule of law.
- A model in Detroit's post-bankruptcy plan
Many private and public institutions had to come together in a shared vision for the city to allow it to emerge so quickly and well from America's largest municipal bankruptcy.