All The Monitor's View
- World-class tax evaders need a global response
With Apple, Google, Amazon and other multinationals in the hot seat for their tax tactics, world leaders need to focus on transparency in tax policies and curbing the global race to cut corporate tax rates.
- Why US must stop Russian missiles for Syria
Putin's decision to send S-300 missiles to Syria shows an amoral strategic move by Russia. It also shows up a lack of Western moral concern for the slaughter in Syria.
- Syria's war can't drift into holy war
With Lebanon's Hezbollah fighters now officially involved in the Syrian war, the conflict becomes even more a religious and regional clash of Sunnis against Shiites. The prospect of Syria becoming a proxy 'holy war,' mainly between Iran and Saudi Arabia, adds urgency to calls for peace talks.
- Obama reaches for moral high ground on drones, Gitmo
In a moral defense of his anti-terror tactics, Obama really argues for a national, even global consensus to counter the ideas of Al Qaeda and others.
- Helping China end its cybercrime spree
When Obama meets China's new leader next month, he should show how the rapid rise in Chinese cybercrime not only hurts the US but China's economy as well.
- What tornado-hit cities like Moore have learned
The tornado that hit the Oklahoma city of Moore – its fourth in 15 years – brought destruction but also brought out well-learned examples of resiliency, hope, and calm.
- Washington's rare moment of reform – for itself
From the IRS abuse to a rise of sexual assaults in the military, Washington is taking time to fix its own problems. A bipartisan effort for reform should apply to fixing the nation's problems.
- A record Powerball jackpot isn't a record to celebrate
The record Powerball jackpot is only the latest trick by states addicted to gambling revenues to lure nongamblers. Online gambling is also on the horizon, with the first legal website for games of chance now running in Nevada.
- How Europe can find its feet again
Now in its longest recession since World War II, Europe is the world economy's weakest link. But as it achieves financial stability, it must now focus on structural overhaul to spur innovation and worker retraining.
- How to avoid another Justice raid on reporter phone records
The secret combing of AP phone records by Justice in pursuit of a security leak shows the need to better define the overlapping roles of government and the press in their mutual desire to protect the American people.
- IRS scandal as a lesson in civic values
The IRS targeting of conservative political groups may not have been political itself. But it shows a serious need for more civics education in America about basic freedoms like the First Amendment.
- Ethical consumers and the Bangladesh building collapse
More consumers act out of empathy after tragedies like the collapse of the Bangladesh garment factory building, forcing global companies to shape up their suppliers in other lands.
- Pakistan election as a marker of global progress
The Pakistan election on Saturday put a former prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, back in power but that's not really the big story. Democracy itself advanced against Islamic terror and other woes facing Pakistan.
- Glint of a Mideast peace as Turkey-Kurd pact plays out
A peace deal to end a long, violent Middle East conflict between Turkey and its minority Kurds began Wednesday when PKK rebels began a retreat into Iraq under a cease-fire. Now Turkey must deliver its part of the bargain. Both sides recognize a new reality in the region.
- In Boston and Cleveland tragedies, a case for more neighborliness
The twin tragedies of the Boston bombings and Cleveland kidnappings reveal a need for those close to would-be perpetrators to both care more and be more alert. Balancing the two isn't always easy.
- China must end cyberspying on US industry, look to its own innovation
The Pentagon accuses China of massive cyberspying on American industry to gain a competitive edge. Beijing has already invested heavily in innovation. Why not look to is own people for creativity?
- Israeli strike in Syria tips a civil war toward a global response
The Israeli strike in Syria represents a regional escalation that should push the UN or West to find a way to prevent a collapse of Syrian society. But first, the world must decide what would fill Syria's void. Democracy?
- Despite stalled Arab Spring, Muslim nations grasp for democracy
Elections in Pakistan and Malaysia show step-by-step progress to reconcile Islam with secular values of elected government.
- In postelection Venezuela, why nonviolence must win
Since its flawed April 14 presidential election, Venezuela has experienced violence over opposition demands for a vote recount. Pro-democracy forces must keep the moral high ground of nonviolence to avoid another Syria.
- Immigration bill and Obama's trip to Mexico: Why the two are linked
President Obama's trip to Mexico will help better integrate the two economies. And a piece of the Senate immigration-reform bill focuses on integrating the mainly Mexican population of undocumented immigrants. Each country must respect the other's sensitivities on these two integrations.