All The Monitor's View
- Why Myanmar coup shows military's limits
The Army’s arrest – again – of Aung San Suu Kyi and her democracy fighters shows its legitimacy is slipping. More people in Myanmar buy into the idea of self-governance for a modern state.
- Welcome to the climate-solution age
President Biden’s initiatives on renewable energy may reflect a turning point in the climate debate.
- Helping hands across the US border
Biden’s main foreign focus could be the Central American nations that produce the most illegal border crossings. His goal of $4 billion in aid is a neighborly act.
- Redefining US leadership with foreign aid
Biden’s focus on aid for his foreign policy will run into trends that require listening to aid recipients.
- Europe's style toward bullies
After a military challenge to EU member Greece, Turkey opts for talks on maritime claims. Its change of heart may be a result of the EU’s patient and “positive” approach.
- A humanitarian pause in Ethiopia’s war?
Reports of hunger being used as a tool of war in the Tigray region could force an international intervention for peace.
- A year into the pandemic, one big lesson
A new study finds societies with higher levels of trust have coped better against the virus. A country’s social compact helps in the healing work.
- Is Russia ready for honest governance?
The brave return home of dissident Alexei Navalny after his poisoning hints of confidence that Russians are fed up with Putin-style corruption.
- One head start for Biden in unifying Americans
On one foreign-policy stance – stopping genocide in China – the Trump administration gave official support for Mr. Biden’s view, offering a template for bipartisanship in Washington.
- Poetic light for Biden’s inauguration
With a theme of unity for the swearing-in ceremony, the president-elect chose a young poet to convince Americans that “like light, we can’t be broken.”
- How young Africans find liberation
A challenger to Uganda’s strongman speaks to a generation’s desire for equality and truth.
- The deterrent to insurrection
Most Americans – including most Republicans – decry political violence like that against the U.S. Capitol. The moral norm of peaceful deliberation still works against the hate and fear behind armed protesters.
- Argentina's embrace of equality for women
A law giving women control over their reproductive decisions reflects a recognition of the inherent dignity of all.
- Contrition in a crisis brings out truth
Upheavals like a pandemic or political polarization often force humility in leaders. North Korea’s Kim Jong Un may be an example.
- Textbook examples of dissolving hate
Along with warming Arab-Israel ties comes a crucial step: a rethink of how children are taught to disparage a perceived enemy.
- Resisting hibernation
"Winter placemaking" lures urban dwellers in cold-weather cities out of their self-made cocoons to experience the joys of the frosty season.
- A time for healing
The U.S. has been shocked by rioters entering its Capitol Building. Americans must work together to find something better than perpetual tribal warfare.
- Responding to a cyber Pearl Harbor
In less unusual times the hacking of computer systems in top U.S. government agencies might have dominated the news. The act needs a prompt, vigorous response.
- Why 2021 brings hope on climate change
Efforts to curb global warming have failed to meet the expectations of the Paris Agreement. But a new U.S. commitment gives a reason for optimism.
- What's in a name? A lot.
The year 2020 saw names that no longer represent how Americans see themselves come off buildings, places, even sports teams.