All The Monitor's View
- Hong Kong embraces its rights – for the rest of us
The April 18 arrest of 15 leading pro-democracy activists only attests to the weakness of China’s attempts to ignore basic rights like rule of law.
- Debt forbearance as a tool to defeat the pandemic
The financial impact from COVID-19 has forced a wave of debt relief, especially for the most vulnerable.
- A beacon for ending lockdowns
Strategies do exist to reopen societies as COVID-19 is suppressed. South Korea just set an example.
- Crossover lessons: Earth Day and the pandemic
COVID-19 poses issues of living in harmony with nature that apply to climate change. Both problems require harmonious action.
- Breakthrough against chemical weapons
For the first time, an agency enforcing an international treaty directly blames a government for a gas attack on civilians. Now the world must act on Syria’s violation of global norms.
- A burst of creativity to best a virus
From mastering Zoom at home to inventing anticoronavirus vaccines, people are using the crisis to be more open to inspiration.
- In an interlude for sports, a time for introspection
Like halftime in football, sports leaders can use this temporary cancellation of contests to return sports to their core purpose.
- The attraction of peace to end COVID-19
The U.N.’s success in asking for cease-fires in world conflicts can help push the Security Council to finally act against the coronavirus.
- ‘Pray for Boris’ and other signs of spiritual revival
The global prayers for the British leader are an example of the health crisis forcing a new interest in how spiritual ideas bring healing.
- A crisis forcing humility from the bottom up
Elected leaders are under pressure to mirror the unity of their societies and cooperate to end the coronavirus crisis.
- In worship, still touching hearts if not each other
For Jews, Muslims, and Christians, a temporary absence of in-person services can lead to fresh approaches to reaching others.
- Care for the social ills of isolation
Lockdowns are leading to upticks in problem behaviors, such as domestic abuse. Compassion more than money is needed.
- Reversing power grabs during a pandemic
Hungary’s leader gets a lesson on why electoral legitimacy is needed to deal with the coronavirus.
- A crisis that draws the best from investors
Companies known for their ethical policies are faring better in a virus-stricken stock market. The crisis is rewarding good behavior.
- Pondering a Walden experience?
A careful outdoor escape from self-isolation can bring sublime relief from fear of a disease.
- Self-isolation opens a door to national service
Staying home, or venturing out to volunteer, sets a high mark for mass sacrifice. A federal panel suggests new ways to expand such civic engagement.
- Mercy for the lonely in a pandemic
With self-isolation now the rule in Britain, an army of volunteers brings help and companionship to the loneliest.
- Trading handguns for hand wipes
Several armed groups have heeded a U.N. call for cease-fires to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. The move reflects an emerging “conscience” to see “the folly of war.”
- From Wuhan to Manhattan, a great sifting of what’s enduring
As China emerges from coronavirus lockdown, it can reveal if more lasting norms have been embraced.
- Europe rises from its sickbed
Despite woes like the coronavirus and Brexit, the European Union looks to expand its values and influence in the Balkans.