All The Monitor's View
German lessons for an Asia riven by historyDuring 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?
How the oil price drop can lift a 'curse'Nations that misused oil wealth now find their mistakes being exposed with the plunge in petroleum prices. This is a blessing for other nations with newfound natural resources. The 'resource curse' could be avoided if they invest wisely.
Why more, not fewer, people prayDespite record declines in religious affiliation, more Americans pray than 30 years ago. Why? Researchers say those who pray find prayer brings spiritual meaning and understanding.
China's long march to innovationIts leaders, like those in other countries, worry about 'insufficient' innovation. Yet lately the Communist Party has heightened a climate of fear that only stifles free thought. The Chinese people, meanwhile, have steadily embraced values that drive modern entrepreneurship.
For ethics in banking, rules aren't enoughFed chief Janet Yellen worries about 'shortcomings' in values among bank workers, and the effects on the financial system. How can banks change from 'mere compliance' to 'good compliance'?
Mideast looks for a 'Switzerland'As Israel and Iran square off over nuclear talks and war rages in Iraq and Syria, some Middle East nations seek a role as an island of neutrality and peacemaking, with Switzerland as a model.
An ancient way to rally IraqisA reformed democracy has helped unite Iraqis to fight Islamic State. Yet just as important is their shared history as home to humanity's first civilizations, reflected in the reopening of the Iraq National Museum.
Why Russians march: to replace 'campaigns of hate'A huge rally in Moscow in memory of slain dissident Boris Nemtsov also focused on state-run media's vilification of critics of Putin's policies. Demonization, either in Russia or by the West, must end to help solve issues like Ukraine.
In praise of Africa's welcome matEven as refugee crises escalate in Africa, many of its nations keep borders open for those fleeing war, Ebola, terror, weather, repression. They deserve praise as much as aid for this compassion.
Why tolerance of religion is not enoughWith millions fleeing religious-related violence, protection of peaceful religious expression requires active, evenhanded work by judges and elected officials. Free countries must set a model of cool, calm balancing of freedom of religion and compelling public needs.
Behold Greeks bearing pledges of tax complianceEurope's future depends in large part on Greece's recovery, and in turn Greeks no longer avoiding taxes. A new government's pledge gives hope for a shift in civic virtue.
How to encircle Islamic StateActs of terror by Islamic State or related groups have evoked fear, flight, or fight. Some Muslims, Jews, and Christians seek an alternative response.
Wal-Mart's pay hike and the cycle of virtuesThe world's largest private employer plans a raise for its lowest-paid workers, a sign of a drive in many countries to hike wages to stimulate economies. Firms need to look beyond the bottom line in how they treat employees.
In court sentencing, beware data-driven 'risk' toolsA trend in US courts and elsewhere to use analytical 'risk assessment' tools in determining a person's future dangerousness undercuts the notion of individual agency in choosing a moral and lawful life.
Turkey's protests by women: jihad of a different sortHuge protests in Turkey, on the streets and Twitter following a woman's murder, are aimed at violence against women. Yet they are also the biggest sign yet of Muslim women waging a struggle against ancient Islamic views.
A beaming White House summit on 'extremism'This week's gathering of some 60 nations in Washington looks at ways to counter Islamic State's lure of more recruits. The best way is to shine a light on the dark emptiness of such groups.
When 'bystander intervention' worksAt the US military academies, students report a decline in unwanted sexual contact. One possible reason is new training in 'bystander intervention,' or preventing an assault when a person nearby speaks up or takes action. A Pentagon report adds legitimacy to 'good Samaritan' training at educational institutions.
Ukraine ceasefires: Why the mediators matterThe latest attempt at a Ukraine ceasefire was mediated by the EU's top leaders. The first one was mediated by the 57-nation OSCE. These supranational bodies are a good answer to Russia's super-nationalism
Finding 'the next big thing'As productivity slows, experts ask if an era of innovation is over. Has the digital revolution lost its juice? Optimists say invention only drives more invention.
In India, a clean sweep for honest governanceAn anticorruption party's big election victory in India's capital may reflect a popular mood in many of the world's fast-growing cities: Urban poor seek honesty in officials.
