All The Monitor's View
- The Obama, Romney dance on debt in the debates
Lost in the dueling economic figures of the presidential debate was a shared moral concern by Mitt Romney and President Obama about the giant debt being left behind by baby boomers. Young Americans – and future generations – need more of that political unity.
- Romney, Obama can help democracy in presidential debates
Voter interest in the 2012 election is down. Mitt Romney and President Obama must use the unique opportunity of the presidential debates to engage those not likely to vote.
- Women can't be airbrushed out of Arab Spring
Like IKEA's deletion of photos of women from its catalog for Saudi Arabia, Muslim countries now creating democracies can't leave out women's rights while creating civic rights.
- A global model for peacebuilding – in Somalia?
One of the world's most famous failed states, Somalia, finally shows surprising signs of progress. One reason may be Somali fatigue over violence, anarchy, and foreign meddling.
- A rare apology in the Middle East. Cherish it.
Libyan leader Megarif apologizes to the world and the US for past and current actions. With so much invective and violence in the Middle East, the region needs the healing power of such humility and contrition.
- A Chinese lesson in land rights and democracy
The first anniversary of a historic village protest over land grabs shows how far China , as well as many countries, must still go in securing property rights – and tying them to individual civic rights.
- Why NFL referees must be model judges
The 'bad' NFL referee call in the 'Monday Night Football' game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers puts a spotlight on those among us whom we elevate as truth tellers and judges.
- How Obama, Romney foreign policies are alike
While they differ on issues like Iran and China, Obama and Romney are alike in not having a foreign policy that would inspire Americans to build a strong economy.
- Today's democracy heroes are in the fiscal trenches
The West's years of unsustainable promises on spending are hardly a model of democracy. When elected leaders, such as Rhode Island treasurer Gina Raimondo, tell the truth on how to rein in costs, they are democracy's heroes.
- When campaign politics turn vicious, what voters can do
As the 2012 campaigns settle into a pattern of personal attacks, voters need not be passive, or even resigned. The can demand civility.
- Protect the most innocent in Syria – children
The largely ignored civil war in Syria has taken a big toll on children. They are often targeted, even tortured. Russia and China must not again block an effective UN response to the Assad regime's war crimes.
- Old Europe meets new
Driven by the euro crisis, 11 European nations led by Germany propose a tighter union with more democracy. As a new model of governance and shared sovereignty, it would be one of old virtues designed for tougher global competition.
- Bringing wisdom to Japan-China island clashes
Japan and China must de-escalate their dangerous nationalist conflict over 5 small islands with the diplomacy of restraint and patience.
- Muslim protests as a gauge of free speech
Most of the world's Muslims aren't violently protesting the anti-Islam video. And many Islamic leaders seek peaceful protest but not censorship. This may be a sign that free speech has gained as a universal right.
- Bernanke and Fed can't be sole bearers of economic certainty
In bold moves, central banks in the US and Europe promise indefinite spending to boost markets. The Federal Reserve and European Central Bank may be financial backstops but they can't pitch certainty into an economy.
- Why bike sharing will make cities friendlier
New York and Chicago launch bike-sharing programs next spring, a big jump for creating a cycling culture in American cities. Life for urban dwellers will be better. Here's why.
- Islam's answer to the killing of US envoys in Libya
The killing of US diplomats in Libya is seen as zealous revenge for the blasphemy of a film against Islam. Muslims must assert their faith's teachings of peace and mercy as the answer to such hate.
- Hard lessons in liberty for the Middle East
With pro-democracy struggles in trouble in Iran and in the Arab Spring, opposition figures now realize that unity against tyranny is easier than unity in favor of democracy. Many see the need for a change.
- The Chicago teachers strike in an era of accountability
The Chicago teachers strike isn't only about pay and work hours. The union also opposes merit pay and stricter evaluation of teachers. The strike's outcome will influence the future of a national movement for accountability of public school teachers.
- Asia must shed myth of limited good
This year's summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum comes as Asia faces pressure to revert to an old notion that prosperity and power only come at the expense of others. This dynamic region should resist such myths.