All The Monitor's View
- America's big assist for Afghanistan democracy
For all its faults as a democracy, the US was able to persuade the two candidates in Afghanistan's third democratic presidential election that they must compromise on a vote recount and power sharing after the result. The world has invested too much in Afghanistan to let it fall to the Taliban or Al Qaeda.
- A peaceful path to a Kurdish homeland
The advance of the Islamic State in Iraq opens an opportunity for Kurds to seek an independent state. But they must be cautious and ensure such a move does not trigger violence. The Middle East needs examples of peaceful means of change.
- The new era of urban humanity
Most people now live in cities, the UN declares, and more will follow, perhaps marking the 21st century as the Urban Era. Why the attraction to cities? Perhaps it shows rising hopes for progress.
- Obama's real border issue: a heroin surge
Americans are misfocused on the surge of children crossing the US-Mexican border. The bigger border issue is the rapid rise of heroin trafficking, driven by young Americans switching from prescription painkillers.
- Are mortgage buyers smarter after housing collapse?
A global survey of 15-year-olds show the US still has far to go to prepare the next generation to grasp complex financial products such as mortgages. To prevent another crisis like the one in 2008, young Americans need financial literacy.
- The BRICS's new aid bank
At a summit next week, the five 'emerging economies' of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – BRICS – will launch their first project: a development bank. It can only work, however, if it runs on similar principles of the World Bank.
- Israel looks within
The brutal revenge killing of an Israeli Arab boy pushes many Israelis to say that a moral malaise is one cause of such a hate crime. This collective introspection is both a model for others and a strength to Israel.
- Preventing a religious war in the Mideast
Attacks on sacred Shiite sites by the Sunni militants creating an 'Islamic State' in Iraq and Syria are risking a wider war in the Middle East. The world should help prevent such a major war of religion by applying lessons from previous wars between competing faiths.
- Passing the torch of peaceful protests
The 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act is also a chance to note how often peaceful protests for basic freedoms still find traction in many places in the world.
- Israeli response to teen murders
Calls for revenge are particularly strong after Israelis learn of three teens killed on the West Bank. But the response to this violence calls for cool intelligence and higher concepts of justice.
- In Hobby Lobby ruling, a defense of religious dignity
In its Hobby Lobby ruling against the Obamacare mandate on contraceptive coverage, the Supreme Court centers its decision on the right of religious people, including owners of privately held corporations, not to be told by government that their beliefs are 'flawed.'
- A Yosemite moment for nations in conflict
The 150th anniversary of Lincoln's act to preserve Yosemite valley during the Civil War serves as a reminder of how the shared experience of landscape can help unite a people.
- Germany's power of attraction in Ukraine crisis
With Ukraine now signing up for membership in the European Union, Germany's soft but firm approach to Russia's aggression sets a global standard in how to wield influence in the 21st century.
- Why the high court protects cellphone privacy
In its ruling on cellphone privacy, the Supreme Court points out that such digital devices are now a pervasive part of daily life, extending our identities into new realms. Ensuring privacy is a way to protect new notions of identity.
- To end partisan gridlock
A new report recommends practical, achievable steps to help government work better.
- A nutritious news diet
What passes for news can be trivial or shocking. Careful news consumers think about what they’re taking in.
- Droning on
As the US again steps up drone attacks, the need for a clear policy on the use or sale of military drones becomes more urgent
- Removing the R-word
A court decision takes away trademark protection for an NFL team with a disparaging name. But that’s not enough.
- Worried about climate? Take a hike.
Scientific studies and cautionary reports have their role. But getting out into nature makes us love it.
- A ruling to reshape the world economy
The US Supreme Court tells Argentina that its sovereignty as a state is not above the principle of treating creditors equally in a bankruptcy. The decision helps set a moral norm that can boost the global financial system.