All The Monitor's View
- Obama's 'forward' push on pot legalization
President Obama's reasons for allowing states to try marijuana legalization are not fitting for a law enforcer and a parent who knows pot's harmful effects.
- Born to rule? The pitfalls of political dynasties
When Barbara Bush complains about dominant political families, she should know. The world must move beyond rule by bloodlines and a belief in inherited traits.
- What's at stake in the key NSA reform
Obama kicked the biggest NSA reform question to Congress: Who should store private data collected by the spy agency? Lawmakers must test how much Americans now want to give up individual sovereignty for security.
- This Martin Luther King Day, a new look at race
An expert on the history of skin color in societies proposes retiring race as a topic for science research. Her idea echos awareness of the changing notion of race, which may help end racism.
- Safety from economic shocks
Along with its upbeat forecast for the global economy, the World Bank also points to those nations finding new security from financial shocks by aligning policies with settled economic principles.
- How US can help end Syria's war: accept refugees
Syria's neighbors have been far more generous than the US in temporarily resettling millions of refugees. If the US and Europe can now share this burden, it may influence the war's outcome.
- Lessons in Gates memoir on civilian-military ties
The tell-all book by former defense chief Robert Gates reveals how President Obama dealt with a military he distrusted. Other nations, such as Egypt, need such lessons in civilian rule.
- How Haiti earthquake launched 'digital humanitarianism'
On the anniversary of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, it is remarkable to see what was learned about 'crisis mapping' from social media during the natural disaster.
- Heroin moves to the countryside
Vermont has recognized its heroin epidemic and is preparing a vigorous response.
- New front in the 'war on poverty'
On the 50th anniversary of Lyndon B. Johnson's 'war on poverty,' government must beef up efforts to support family stability, beyond financial means.
- Who can end Iraq's Sunni-Shiite violence?
Iraq needs prominent Islamic leaders who back democracy to now speak out for democracy's survival. Who better than Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani - despite his reluctance.
- Double-teaming peace in Israel
Though Secretary of State John Kerry and Pope Francis are operating independently, together they form a powerful force for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
- Look to the Sunshine State
In 2014 Florida will pass New York to become the third-most-populous state. With smart planning, it can continue to fulfill the dreams of its residents and visitors.
- The shared economy’s growth spurt
Governments must find a balance between regulation and fostering entrepreneurship. But is a ‘shared economy’ something more as well?
- Domesticating drones
2014 may begin to show drones as useful servants and not just machines of war.
- Honor the Olympic Truce
Terrorist bombings in Volgograd, Russia, may have had the Sochi Olympics as their real target. The ideal of the Olympics as a respite from violence must be defended.
- What the 2014 economy needs most: trust
Many economic indicators are doing well. Yet Americans say they lack certainty about the future, perhaps starting with trust in government handling of the economy. The uncertainty gap needs to close.
- For Japan and China, a day of selective remembrance
On Thursday, China celebrated Mao while Japan's leader honored wartime dead. Both events riled many who want each nation to better recall past atrocities. Doing so is essential to achieving forgiveness and ensuring peace.
- In 2014, keep an eye on India
A new anti-corruption agency and the surprise triumph of a young party promising clean government could start democratic India down a better path than China's.
- Why nonChristians are drawn to Christmas
Sure, Christmas has enticing secular trappings for countries like China. But some aspects hint at its eternal message.