All The Monitor's View
In Afghanistan, peace starts in democratic unityThe peaceful mediation used by Afghans to end a dispute over a presidential election helps set a norm that the Taliban cannot defeat.
The world's two-wheel futureWith less traffic and a need for outside activity, people are biking more, bringing a shift to city planning and climate change.
An overlooked answer to COVID-19A global day of prayer on May 14 reflected an upsurge of prayer as a healing response to the coronavirus.
The power of honesty about COVID-19China’s suppression of the truth about the coronavirus’s origins has led many Chinese to demand freedom of speech. Their honesty could lead to honest governance.
Iraq's generational shift beginsThe early actions of a new leader hint that youthful protests for a secular, clean, and independent Iraq are bearing fruit.
Behold Greeks bearing up betterAfter a decade of economic hardship, Greece used its newfound resiliency to tackle the coronavirus well. It is now a lesson in the nature of resiliency itself.
A light of truth on racial violenceWhy a journalist’s 19-century campaign against lynching is important in finding justice for today’s killings of unarmed black men.
In South Korea, a triumph for talent in successionsThe head of scandal-hit Samsung vows an end to family dynasty, helping the country to favor merit over bloodlines in business and politics.
Why stargazing is looking upFor many in lockdown, exploring the night sky brings renewal. The Hubble telescope helped nurture that curiosity.
Arab world binges on religious harmonyThe popularity of an Arabic TV series about a Jewish woman reveals change in the Middle East.
Investors eye businesses doing goodCompanies that treat workers well during the health crisis are seen as a good investment. “Social investing” is on the rise.
The global jolt toward creative thinkingThe coronavirus shock has forced fresh approaches to almost all aspects of life. Why not celebrate it – and keep innovating?
Why domestic abuse is now an international causeA spike in domestic violence during the coronavirus lockdown has resulted in a vigorous response to provide shelter and protection beyond one’s home.
The not-so-secret sauce of New Zealand's successThe country’s effective “elimination” of COVID-19 relied on swift, strict measures but also a tone of kindness from the top.
The Fed's global role in making people ‘whole’The central bank’s unprecedented opening of its dollar spigot helped end a global financial panic.
Crash course in civics to end a pandemicThe world’s democracies are being strained with new impositions on daily life. The U.S. in particular needs better education in the principles and workings of democracy.
As rescue money flows, so can honesty and accountabilityStarting with the Fed’s new transparency, government leaders should keep corruption in check in order to keep the public on their side.
For Syria, a light of justice in a German courtroomThe trial of two former secret police is a first in using an independent court to expose war crimes in Syria. It probably won’t be the last.
A priority in a pandemic: The vulnerable firstThe global crisis has put a focus on aiding those most at risk, even outside one’s own society. The uplift in thought should not end when the COVID-19 crisis does.
This Ramadan, Muslims find new reasons for charityThe pandemic has shut off much of the holy month’s rituals but not its spiritual meaning.
