All The Monitor's View
Israel looks withinThe 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 MideastAttacks 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 protestsThe 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 murdersCalls 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 dignityIn 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 conflictThe 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 crisisWith 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 privacyIn 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 gridlockA new report recommends practical, achievable steps to help government work better.
A nutritious news dietWhat passes for news can be trivial or shocking. Careful news consumers think about what they’re taking in.
Droning onAs 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-wordA 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.
In Colombia and Afghanistan, elections that pacifyElections in Colombia and Afghanistan put a democratic stamp on talks with rebels, or a listening to their political views while rejecting their violence.
Rally Iraq's Muslims against ISIS beheadingsThe ISIS rebels in Iraq advanced quickly in part because they use beheadings to instill fear. The world, as well Muslims, must condemn this tactic. Even Al Qaeda rejects it.
In Cantor defeat, a lesson on how to treat votersA stunning primary loss for the well-funded House leader Eric Cantor to a relatively unknown candidate may show voters in the Internet Age refuse to be treated as naive targets of expensive campaign tactics.
Can an Islamic caliphate survive in today's Mideast?As the Muslim militant group ISIS advances in Iraq and Syria, its chances of establishing a strict Islamic theocracy will be weakened by its inherent flaws.
Rape in wartime: A plan to end itAngelina Jolie and Britain's top diplomat, William Hague, are dashing myths about the use of rape as a war tool. The world can work to end this crime, as seen in a summit in London this week.
The origin of peace for Israelis, PalestiniansAs other attempts for Middle East peace fail, the leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Authority joined with the heads of two Christian churches in prayers for peace. The event Sunday at the Vatican serves as reminder about the universal source of a desire for peace.
