All The Monitor's View
- An India ready to dream big
A sweeping election victory for Narendra Modi and his Hindu-nationalist party reflects an India with new views of its capacity for progress. But Mr. Modi must not interpret the voters' big dreams as a mandate for big-man rule.
- Wanted: world model for clean sports
A new study warns of a rising threat to the integrity of sports from gambling that leads to more fixed matches. While some countries keep sports safe from manipulation, a global approach is needed, much like the fight against doping.
- In Google searches of names, a right to be forgiven
Europe's highest court rules that individuals can demand search engines like Google remove links to personal data. The ruling only begins to address the Internet's problem of incomplete information on a person's past mistakes.
- In praise of the OSCE as Ukraine's friend
An unsung international body, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, has helped many countries become secure and democratic. Now Ukraine needs the OSCE to help resolve its tensions and hold a fair election.
- How Nigerians can thwart Boko Haram
Foreign help for Nigeria to rescue the girls abducted by Boko Haram only highlights the government's failings, notably corruption. To dry up support for such militant groups, Nigerians must put an end to graft in high places.
- An answer to Ukraine's pro-Russia vote on 'self rule'
The pro-Russia votes on 'self rule' in eastern Ukraine are illegal by any measure but they reflect a legitimate challenge to the nation's identity. The interim government in Kiev has responded well with offers that reflect a civil spirit of democratic unity.
- How China, Russia help spread democracy
Nations not in secure alliances of democracy take note when Russia annexes a piece of Ukraine and China shoots water guns at Vietnam's ships in a claim on the Paracel Islands. Security pacts based on common civic values can be strong deterrents.
- Negotiate with Boko Haram to release girls?
Nigeria rules out talking with Boko Haram until the girls are released. But it also welcomes US assistance in hostage negotiation. It must draw on the experience of other countries in how and when to negotiate with terrorists.
- Liberator's hubris and the South African election
Like many parties that liberated their country, South Africa's ANC expects to win every election. But examples in other countries show why the ANC should, and can, reform itself rather than cling to past glory.
- Supreme Court puts wings on public prayers
In a ruling that allows public prayers before a town meeting, the Supreme Court points to their spiritual purpose in guiding lawmakers while also setting down constitutional bumpers against an abuse of public prayer.
- One Moscow voice for healing in Ukraine
As violence escalates in Ukraine, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church appears to distance himself from President Putin, calling for healing and reconciliation. Churches that align with the state often learn the hard way that Caesar has his own kingdom.
- Finding Nigeria's missing girls
Protests have erupted in Nigeria two weeks after the Islamic militant group Boko Haram captured more than 200 schoolgirls. Nigerians must be careful not to overreact and play into the terrorists' strategy.
- Why Germany's Merkel gets four hours at the White House
President Obama will spend four hours with German leader Angela Merkel at a White House summit this Friday. Her leadership style shows a new way for 'rising powers' to operate in a multipolar world.
- Right of access for aid to Syria's innocent
A group of experts on humanitarian law says Syria's denial of aid and its use of starvation as a weapon provide a legal right for UN aid workers to enter the country without permission. Will Obama and other leaders pick up this idea?
- Don't ignore Ukraine's quiet revolution
Despite headlines of war threats, armed rebellions, and more sanctions, Ukrainians are quietly enacting reforms to curb corruption and cement democracy in time for the May 25 elections. This display of self-help is worthy of Western support.
- The neighborliness of ethical shoppers
Purchases of 'ethical' products in Britain, such as organic food, now surpass those of alcohol and tobacco. What drives this steady global trend in 'conscious consuming'?
- What's behind FDA rules on e-cigarettes
The FDA's proposed regulations on electronic cigarettes help build on progress since 1964 in snuffing out any desire for tobacco-related products among Americans. The latest rules aim to help more teens make healthy choices over nicotine addiction.
- Why Obama reassures allies
Crises from Syria to Crimea to Japan force President Obama and top US securitys official to fly around the world reassuring allies of US security commitments. One good reason: so that nonnuclear countries don't go nuclear.
- Why Obama must be in Asia
The Obama trip to Asia fits a pattern of recent presidents trying to help a fractious region avoid conflicts by uniting around shared values. Pivotal to this US role are a regional trade pact and China's acceptance of universal values.
- Calling a truce in class warfare
A major book on capitalism's flaws by a French economist reignites the debate on income inequality. But why must capitalism's past be prologue if capitalism can help trim its excesses?