All The Monitor's View
- Supreme Court sizes up teens who murder
Two cases involving life sentences for 14-year-olds who murdered will test the Supreme Court's past rulings that teens are not small adults and must be given a chance for redemption.
- Future of China economy will force political reform
The ouster of a prominent Communist Party member, Bo Xilai, hints at this year's power struggle to define political reforms needed to avoid big problems for the Chinese economy.
- After guilty verdict for warlord Lubanga, will Kony be captured in 2012?
World interest in the 'Kony 2012' video that focuses on child soldiers of the Lords Resistance Army comes just as the International Criminal Court finds another African warlord guilty of conscripting children to kill.
- From DARPA to Google, the search for sources of innovation
Regina Dugan, the head of the Pentagon's research arm, is going to Google. What her move means in the global race for innovation.
- Lessons from the Afghanistan shooting
The Afghanistan shooting of 16 civilians by an American soldier shows the Pentagon must better screen, train, and track its people who fight in war zones.
- One year after earthquake and tsunami, what Japan has rediscovered
For the March 11 anniversary of its earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear meltdown, Japan can be thankful for reviving its spirit of mutual help, best seen among the tsunami survivors.
- Helping hackers don white hats
The FBI warns that cyberspace hacking may soon surpass terrorism as a threat. But many hackers easily give up and become useful 'white hat' security experts. Are there better ways to win over more of them?
- For peace in Afghanistan, women can't be 'secondary'
Afghanistan's religious authority declares women as 'secondary' and seeks restrictions on them. Karzai approves, perhaps to win over the Taliban in talks. But the outrage from Afghan women shows they no longer see themselves as willing victims.
- Rushworth Kidder: Ethicist, journalist, scholar
Rushworth Kidder, who passed away on March 5, was a former Monitor columnist and a leading advocate of ethical conduct in business, government, education, and personal life.
- Marijuana legalization: Obama opposition too selective
When Latin America talks of legalizing drugs, Obama officials speak up. What about ballot measures in Colorado and Washington Sate to approve marijuana legalization?
- How to ignore thin fashion models
A study in Europe links the fashion industry's use of super-thin models to the self-identity problems of many young women. The industry can do more to help girls find their true self-worth.
- War talk on Iran forces the issue: Is Israel a formal US ally?
Obama and Netanyahu can't agree on a threshold for attacking Iran if they also lack clarity on whether the US and Israel are formal allies. Will Israel abandon its strategy of defense self-reliance?
- North Korea: When tests of trust turn global events
A new pact between North Korea and the US will test the honesty of the regime's new leader, Kim Jong-un. Other countries, such as Iran and Greece, are also being tested because on their deceit.
- Syria protests must stick to nonviolence
Saudi Arabia may be arming Syrian protesters as more of them turn to violence against Assad's brutality. They must not lose the moral force of peaceful tactics used in Egypt, Tunisia, and Yemen.
- Obama apology to Afghans for Quran burning: All forgiven?
Thousands of Afghan turned violent, some even killing American officers, despite the Obama apology for the 'inadvertent' Quran burning. Forgiveness doesn't come easily if an apology isn't seen as sincere.
- Why America can 'make stuff' again – just not the old stuff
Obama and GOP candidates like Romney and Santorum compete in Rust Belt states like Michigan by promising a return to the heyday of manufacturing. They must instead focus on America's unique receptivity to new ideas for business.
- 'Friends of Syria': Which good cause will bring unity for action?
At both the UN and at a "Friends of Syria" meeting in Tunisia, a consensus is steadily forming over which universal value can justify strong action on Syria.
- God save the queen – and society – at lunch
In America and Britain, ideas to integrate a diverse society are being touted and tested. One idea is a 'big lunch' of neighbors for Queen Elizabeth's diamond jubilee. But can government enhance social cohesion?
- Yemen election hints at Arab Spring's deeper meaning
A popular vote Tuesday in Yemen appears to mark the fall of the fourth dictator in the Arab Spring. But in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and now Yemen, the post-dictator problems show why each Arab must embrace democratic ideals.
- Lifting Africa from a mineral 'curse'
The US and Europe are moving towards rules that would require their oil and mining industries to reveal all payments to foreign governments. Resource-rich but poor Africa will benefit from such transparency.