All The Monitor's View
- Britain's stroke against luck
A government review of betting laws is aiming at reducing problem gambling, a move that might also reduce a widespread belief in luck and put a focus instead on talent, skill, and discipline.
- A Bidenesque aisle-crossing in Congress
As lawmakers near a consensus on a coronavirus aid package, they also reinforce the president-elect’s promise to bind “the wounds of division.”
- For Biden, a path out of Iran-US resentments
Both countries must address feelings of humiliation over past actions. A window of opportunity opens next year to do just that.
- The pandemic’s crisis of doubt about progress
The huge setback for humanity need not lead to a bleakness about the future. One lesson lies in the last crisis that was fully global.
- Work-from-home fathers rethink parenting
Couples who have school-age children and can work from home are resetting traditional parenting roles. After the pandemic, old notions of fatherhood may not hold anymore.
- War might not fix Ethiopia’s ethnic puzzle
Armed victory by the national government over a belligerent minority will only put off the need for a new social contract.
- Vivan los artistas de Cuba
A protest by independent artists and writers may have forced the regime to recognize the need for some freedom to sustain Cuba’s rich culture.
- The generous sauce that lifts this year's Thanksgiving
National traumas have left many Americans despondent yet also grateful enough to be generous toward others. They are both counting and sharing their blessings.
- Finding one’s way in a late autumn walk
People hunkering down for the winter can find well-being in a good stroll that opens one's vistas.
- Why Biden gives Trump some space
The president-elect as well as many Republican leaders rely on qualities like truth and patience to ease Mr. Trump out of office and persuade his supporters to accept the election result.
- A focal point for Biden’s democracy summit
For his plan to convene the world’s democracies next year, the new president can give a platform to the independent judges in Hong Kong fighting off China’s dictatorial hand.
- America’s new pastime: Police reform
Voters approved all police reform measures on the Nov. 3 ballot. Those initiatives and other reforms show a nation coming together for a just and compassionate society.
- Iraq, Saudi Arabia span a religious divide
The two reflect Islam’s big split but in opening their border, they show a new tolerance.
- Why countries still prefer open trade
The flow of new ideas across borders contributes to economic progress more than ever. That fact drives many of the latest trade deals despite the pandemic and anti-globalization.
- Peru’s cry for honest governance
The ouster of two presidents reflects a society yearning for equality under the law.
- Ethiopia’s road to war needs an offramp
Armed conflict with the Tigray minority could end if a drive for democratic unity were more inclusive.
- Who can bridge the US divide?
As the president’s assertions of voting fraud fail in the courts, the US must look to its past and other nations on how credible associates can appeal to him to concede.
- Russia’s peaceful hand against aggression
Its role in ending Azerbaijan’s war against Armenia may hint at a new respect for the sovereignty of national borders.
- Biden’s best advice to Americans
His first post-election speech centered on the best advice ever given to him: Demonizing others is not a strategy for good results.
- A liberating way to end Libya’s long war
Outside mediators are trying a novel tactic: Those who waged war in Libya must promise not to run it when peace prevails.