All The Monitor's View
- 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.
- The hidden key to a country’s liberation
From Belarus to Tunisia, people under dictatorship have shown they must act with dignity, not plead for it.
- Muslim lands staking out interfaith coexistence
Sudan becomes the latest largely Muslim society to start embracing ecumenical governance.
- China's rulers face a new type of dissent
For democracy activists, hatred in the face of state violence hasn’t worked very well. China’s Mongolian minority – now being forced to adopt Han culture – is trying new approaches.
- Tracking the pandemic on private phones
New tech tools on smartphones that record data related to COVID-19 put a new focus on the ability of people to self-govern their personal information.
- The seeders of a new Lebanon
Foreign leaders are working with trusted activists to revive an inclusive identity for a country in turmoil since an Aug. 4 blast.
- A peace deal to piece Sudan together
Last year’s pro-democracy protests and their unifying identity have led to a pact to integrate most rebel groups into a more inclusive government.