All The Monitor's View
- The best weapon in Obama's war on Islamic State
Waging war on Islamic State ('ISIS') must include reaching those Muslims under its thumb with a message that Islam grants equality among individuals under God, not under a religious leader who uses violence to rule daily life.
- Obama, GOP can now partner on one project: trade pacts
After this midterm election, a new Republican-led Congress can start to build trust with President Obama by striking a deal on proposed trade pacts with Asia and Europe. The US needs such bipartisanship to spur growth and shape global values.
- Africa's test of unity over Ebola crisis
In a mark of progress and unity, the African Union finally sent its first-ever humanitarian mission to help curb Ebola. Then it reacted swiftly to a military takeover in Burkina Faso. The continent must create more cohesion in order to assist itself.
- Shake, rattle, and voter rolls: The new politics in Europe, US
The recent recession may still be changing politics in Europe and the US, not only on specific issues but on qualities of governance, such as accountability, transparency, and wider participation.
- When central banks try to create optimism
In Japan, Europe and the US, central banks have tried to alter consumer pessimism – that might lead to deflation – by flooding financial markets with money. Can a behavior of hope be 'nudged' in this way?
- Ukraine can cleanse its past, heal its future
A new 'lustration' law may be too harsh and sweeping in fingering workers in past regimes for alleged wrongdoing. Curbing corruption and potential tyranny may require some leniency toward past officials who repent.
- In Ebola disputes, keep focus on health workers
A common theme that can help resolve Ebola disputes – such as issues over medical protocols and quarantines – is the desire to support healing professionals in West Africa.
- Best path for post-election Brazil
After a divisive campaign and President Rousseff's squeaker reelection victory, Brazil must follow Mexico's model and unite major parties behind a pact for reform.
- Election helps Ukraine be 'European'
Three pro-European parties gained a majority in Sunday's election for parliament. Now those parties must learn what the European Union still struggles with: unity in diversity.
- Europe's leap toward honest, healthy banks
On Sunday, Europe's central bank released results of stress tests done on the largest banks, hoping to clear up their hidden debts and restore lending to entrepreneurs. More transparent banking will help keep the world's largest economy from stagnation.
- Learning from Canada after Ottawa attack
The attack on Parliament by a Canadian convert to Islam brings a call to avoid this response: hatred. Islamic State thrives on hatred, either in the West or among Muslims.
- For 2014 election, the candidates to endorse
Even as more voters become hard ideologues, the middle grows for those who want candidates who can make compromises. The politics of trench warfare needs to change.
- In Hong Kong, a global contest over models of governance
The leader of Hong Kong admits that allowing open choice for election candidates would give too much power to the city's large population of poor people. The protests are aimed at challenging such paternalistic governance, a model China promotes to the world.
- Why Apple Pay may help rebuild trust in US finance
Apple's launch of its mobile payment system for stores could crack open a new market, but also show how to retain and expand customer respect for the finance industry.
- Obama's first victory in Iraq war
US pressure on the new Shiite-led Iraqi government results in a Sunni lawmaker becoming defense minister. Such democratic unity will help Iraqi troops defeat the Islamic State.
- Candy Crush in Atlantic City?
New Jersey tries to lure young people hooked on digital video games of skill to wager on those games. Other states should ignore this desperate pursuit to tap games of merit as a way to revive an industry built on notions of chance.
- As oil prices fall, which leaders rise?
Oil-abundant nations that invest their wealth wisely for future generations may not mind the big drop in oil prices. Countries with corrupt, authoritarian rulers may be exposed by the drop in revenue.
- One Muslim state's peaceful power transfer
While many Middle East countries splinter into war, Indonesia marks a democratic triumph Oct. 20. Its second popularly elected president, Joko Widodo, takes power.
- Wanted: New ways to lift a sluggish global economy
This year’s Nobel Prize for economics hints at the need for fresh ideas to spur growth. The winner, Jean Tirole, brings a deeper look at what motivates people to invest in their future.
- Prepare for post-Ebola recovery in Africa
The World Bank and IMF lead the way in helping African nations hit by Ebola to plan for an inevitable rebound. Such planning may help dispel current perceptions of Ebola as yet another drag on Africa that has grown more resilient.