All The Monitor's View
- Concern for the election, diligence from voters
Early signs from mass mail-in voting show states and voters are being civic-minded about the integrity of the process.
- A peace pact’s surprise in Colombia
Confessions of assassinations and kidnappings by former rebel leaders help keep truth-telling at the center of a postwar process of reconciliation.
- The pandemic’s bloom of startups
Applications for new businesses are way up in the U.S., a sign of creative and courageous entrepreneurship that defies the social isolation and gloom.
- Why Trump’s detractors wish him well
As in modern warfare, more of today’s politics accepts the principle that even a fallen opponent deserves health care.
- The Arab pinch on Palestinians to unite
Israel’s new ties with two Arab nations help push Hamas and Fatah toward holding an election that the Palestinian cause needs.
- An apology ricochets in the Koreas
Long portrayed as infallible, North Korea’s leader apologizes for the killing of a South Korean. His move from myth-making to truth-telling opens a door for peace.
- Why a candidate’s age matters less
Far more Americans see the older age of the presidential contenders as an asset than those who don’t. Society is getting wise to those with wisdom.
- War in the Caucasus as a window on what brings peace
A serious eruption of violence between Armenia and Azerbaijan is a test for the idea that democracies are less inclined to use war to distract from domestic woes.
- An embrace of law to curb China’s bullying
The Philippines has joined a chorus of nations asserting international law over Beijing’s claims to remote islands.
- Finding justice for Breonna Taylor
Like other cities following police violence, Louisville is relying on a local desire for social harmony and justice to drive needed reforms.
- An ideal of innocence kept alive
The U.N. doctrine of preventing atrocities has faltered since its adoption 15 years ago. But two cases show the principle endures.
- Teaching America’s past with a common goal
Different approaches to U.S. history – from President Trump’s to The New York Times’ 1619 Project – share the same future: instilling critical thinking skills for citizenship.
- Picking a court justice without hardball tactics
Both James Madison and Ruth Bader Ginsburg had advice about majorities violating the golden rule.
- An oil giant’s epiphany on climate change
BP’s slow shift to clean energy since the Deepwater Horizon spill is picking up speed, perhaps setting an example for the petroleum industry.
- Lifting the clouds of doubt over voting
Fears over the integrity of the U.S. voting process are high. They shouldn’t be.
- Why some world alliances endure
As the U.N. celebrates its 75th anniversary, its model of cooperation based on values is helping counter modern bullies.
- When political clichés fall away
After an ambush of two police officers, a sheriff shows gratitude for both presidential candidates supporting public servants.
- Who’s really 'in the room' of Afghan peace talks
The run-up to the first direct talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government took many players, least of which are Afghans – especially women – demanding peace and rights.
- After a megafire, what Paradise found
The California town, largely burned in 2018 by the state’s worst fire, is teaching others in the West how to respond to the region’s record fires.
- Pandemic’s bright light on drug prevention
The other health crisis in 2020 – opioid misuse – has worsened under social isolation and economic strain. That should help shift the focus more to preventing addiction.