All The Monitor's View
- How a Wal-Mart struggle in India shows world progress
Stung by a case of corruption in Mexico, Wal-Mart pushes its Indian associates to be squeaky clean. Such action shows the global effects of a US anti-corruption law.
- Amid another North Korea storm, look who's calm
South Koreans, unlike many around the world, don't react with fear to North Korea's verbal and nuclear threats. Why this wise reaction?
- In Atlanta test-cheating scandal, a case for 'good apples'
Indictments of 35 Atlanta educators in a test-cheating scandal may be shocking. But preventing such scandals requires a refocus on tapping the conscience of public servants to choose honesty.
- When helping the poor doesn't help
In a new study, the International Monetary Fund takes aim at energy subsidies, a common practice by countries to help the poor or benefit consumers and industry. The costs far outweigh any benefits, especially for the poor, finds the IMF.
- Why a BRICS 'world bank' may be welcome
The so-called BRICS 'club' of nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa – plan to start a development bank to rival the World Bank. This challenge to the Western-driven liberal order relies to a large part on that order.
- What we can do about income inequality
A new Brookings Institution study points to a 'permanent' inequality of income in the US, mainly because workers haven't adapted to rapid technological change. Reducing this underclass starts with workers themselves.
- In Cyprus rescue, EU steps on a basic freedom
In allowing Cyprus to impose capital controls, the EU violates one of its founding principles – the free flow of money (and goods) to help unite nations.
- A model to end Washington gridlock: Mexico
Since its political leaders signed a pact for national reform in December, Mexico has been on a roll. The country's suffering from self-inflicted gridlock was reason enough for consensus and change.
- Typecasting 'AfPak'
The West's clichés about Pakistan and Afghanistan don't match the signs of democratic progress or opposition to Islamic radicals like the Taliban.
- Cyberattack on South Korea needs constructive world response
The cyberattack on South Korea's banks and TV stations Wednesday should force a global effort to develop legal rules against cyberwarfare.
- In Obama trip to Israel, clues of US redirection
President Obama's trip to Israel provides more clues about possible downsizing of the US role in the world. If true, the US must be clear to allies and friends.
- Euro crisis: Why a Cyprus bailout must be seen as 'fair'
As Europe tackles its latest euro crisis, a Cyprus bailout deal must follow the path of being perceived as 'fair.' A tax on small-time savers isn't seen that way.
- Behind the historic shift in poverty
A United Nations report on human development signals huge progress in reducing poverty. All the reasons for it may add up to a turnaround in attitudes among the poor about their future.
- Sugary-drink bans and other fads: When pols try to nudge good behavior
New approaches to altering personal behavior – such as banning soda, curbing gamblers, or raising alcohol prices – can fail without the bonds of community to back them.
- Recalculating the privacy debate after Google Maps penalty
Google's string of privacy invasions reveals a need to rethink privacy and end a piecemeal, reactive approach. Asserting privacy as an asset would help.
- Illinois and Greece as penitent cookers of books
The SEC exposes Illinois's misleading reports on pensions while Greece cleans up its financial data to help end the euro crisis. Clean accounting, like light on a dark street, helps eliminate financial deceit.
- Kenya's merit badge for citizenship
For all its flaws and risky outcome, Kenya's presidential election reveals a shift from tribal identities toward a better civic-mindedness. Voters did not want a repeat of the tribal violence after the 2007 election.
- Why honey works better than vinegar in Washington
If tone can influence substance, as studies show, then the new friendly, face-to-face get-togethers between President Obama and GOP lawmakers signal possible breakthroughs.
- Celebrate South Korea on International Women's Day
As the first nation to reverse a strong preference for sons over daughters – and the sex-selective abortions that come with it – South Korea deserves praise. Other countries, such as China and India, now have hope of ending this violence against girls.
- Why Chávez-style governance runs against history
The end of Hugo Chávez's rule in Venezuela should help weaken the model of authoritarian populism. His social goals may be worthy but his methods of personal rule were not.