All The Monitor's View
- A role for US in South Sudan strife
The new African nation of South Sudan finds itself facing civil war, just years after being created out of Sudan's civil war. The US, as it did in that earlier conflict, can intervene with lessons in how to shape a nation's identity.
- New rules for NSA spying: Protect the presumption of innocence
President Obama, the courts, and Congress are on a path to set new privacy rules for NSA snooping. While the need to catch terrorist remains, so is the need to preserve a presumption of innocence.
- On Arab Spring anniversary, Tunisia again inspires
Just as a 2010 protest sparked an Arab uprising for democracy, Tunisia shows that an Islamist party in power will peacefully step down.
- In a Mega Millions jackpot, is there any winner?
The winners of the near-record Mega Millions lottery jackpot may get all the spotlight. But if President Obama and others want to reduce income inequality, they should focus on how lotteries create inequality – with government zeal – by hurting the poor.
- Testing a US 'empathy deficit' in Syria
So far, the American humanitarian response for Syria has been its best success during the crisis. But with the UN making a record appeal for aid as refugee flows escalate, US empathy will be tested again.
- Country of the Year? Try Mexico.
Last week's approval of reforms for the pivotal oil company Pemex caps a year of major reforms that could transform Mexico – and perhaps change the immigration debate in the US.
- Saving Islam from suicide bombs
Saudi Arabia's leading Muslim cleric came out forcefully against suicide bombings. The Middle East, now roiling with such attacks, needs more Islamic scholars speaking out.
- What the Ryan-Murray budget deal really means
The Ryan-Murray budget deal reflects an approach that some states are trying with new political structures that force leaders to compromise, not on principles but on ideology.
- A Christmas gift from the next generation
The Great Recession helped reverse a decades-long rise in materialism among many young people. Despite a tough financial future, they are also more concerned about others. This shift is a gift for those seeking less spending at Christmas.
- The Ukraine protests for integrity
The protests in Ukraine that erupted after the president rejected possible EU membership are now aimed at high-level corruption. More countries are seeing protests demanding integrity from elected leaders.
- Mandela's gift of grace
By finding his freedom in grace and dignity, he was able to help bring freedom to all South Africans.
- After the UN quells the Central African Republic
With the United Nations Security Council approval of a French-African Union force in the chaotic Central African Republic, the next step should be restoring Christian-Muslim harmony, village by village.
- China's tech innovators must 'breathe free'
In his visit to China, Vice President Joe Biden spoke of a need for people to 'breathe free' to achieve innovation in science and technology. China's hopes for 'independent' innovation rest on allowing such freedom.
- How Ukraine can someday join the EU
Peaceful protests by Ukrainians in favor of a pact with the European Union reveal the brutal Soviet-style tactics of the regime. The EU must stand firm for democratic values.
- Before the shopping drone arrives
Buying things is becoming faster and easier thanks to the Internet. But wise shopping is still a human art.
- Here's a conversation starter for Thanksgiving
A campaign called Giving Tuesday rolls into its second successful year to curb the commercialism of the Thanksgiving holiday season with a day of generosity. It would make Ben Franklin smile.
- China reforms can't stop at water's edge
The Chinese military's provocative moves on Japan-controlled islands do not match the spirit of reform in the Communist Party's recent plenum. Wiser heads in China need to ensure the country's peaceful rise as a power.
- The Iran nuclear deal's test of motives
The temporary agreement on Iran's nuclear program is merely an initial test of good intentions on both sides. For Iran, it will ultimately be a test of whether it wants to be a player for peace.
- US-Afghanistan alliance will be more than shared interests
As Afghan leaders debate a draft security agreement with the United States, the two nations must recognize they are balancing more than each one's interests. After 12 years of war and joint efforts, the two are now bound up in common purpose.
- New Jersey's dicey launch of Internet gambling
On Nov. 26, New Jersey will become the third – and by far the most populous – state to allow online gambling for money within its borders. Before more states follow suit, the US must rethink this dubious race to make gambling so easy.