All The Monitor's View
A Christmas gift from the next generationThe 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 integrityThe 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 graceBy 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 RepublicWith 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 EUPeaceful 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 arrivesBuying things is becoming faster and easier thanks to the Internet. But wise shopping is still a human art.
Here's a conversation starter for ThanksgivingA 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 edgeThe 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 motivesThe 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 interestsAs 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 gamblingOn 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.
Help teens erase their web indiscretionsMany teens may come to regret a photo on social media or other internet postings. But a new California law, which requires websites to let teens 'erase' their digital past, may be catching on in other states.
At Iran nuclear talks, put trust on the tableTalks resume Wednesday over the Iranian nuclear program, with the US and Iran still highly mistrustful of the other. Even if a pact is signed, implementing it will require some degree of trust. Better to start with some trust now.
Philippines can 'build back better'Mega-disasters like super typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines can be an opportunity for devastated communities to re-envision a different future, one built on resiliency to disaster and stronger community ties.
How rating colleges can challenge studentsAs the Obama administration crafts a rating system for colleges, a study reveals how little students feel challenged by their professors. Ratings may help raise expectations in higher education.
Why US must help Afghanistan kick the heroin-trade habitJust as President Obama prepares to reduce the US role there, Afghanistan sees a big rise in opium cultivation. The US cannot leave the nation it invaded as a narco-state.
Black Friday's creep into Thanksgiving DayAs more American stores open on Thanksgiving Day, or open earlier on that sacred holiday, they break a key limit on the commercialism of Christmas. If Thanksgiving is lost, Christmas might be, too.
A Philippines at the ready for typhoonsAs the toll mounts in the Philippines after super-typhoon Haiyan, the country can start to adapt better resiliency in preparation for its many natural disasters.
Congo and Colombia thread a peace needleRebels groups in Congo and Colombia each declared this week they would lay down their arms. But the hard part now is deciding what punishment – or mercy – they deserve.
