All The Monitor's View
- Trump's plan for Mideast peace
As the president is discovering, the process of negotiating a deal between Israel and the Palestinians is as important as the details of a deal.
- A court nudge for redemption in Myanmar
A U.N. tribunal orders Myanmar to protect the Rohingya minority as it weighs a charge of genocide. The decision hints at hope of reform within the country’s military.
- Why 2020 may be a year of giving
Donations for charity or politics could hit new records even as concepts of giving are changing.
- A sunshine of truth in China’s health scare
Compared with its reaction in past outbreaks of disease, Beijing shows a new willingness to adopt transparency as a rule for governance – and for social stability.
- A small victory for rule of law in Asia
Indonesia’s protection of its waters from Chinese aggression sends yet another message to Beijing about the need for rule of law.
- An impeachment trial the world can appreciate
No matter one’s view of Donald Trump, the Senate trial is a welcome display of accountability for people living under rulers who deny them the values of democracy.
- Why Europe seeks to fix Libya – for its own future
Ending a civil war in Libya may be a step toward ending the European Union’s conflict over migration.
- Taiwan’s soft-power sovereignty from China
A fair election not only bolsters the island’s independence from China, it reinforces President Tsai’s drive to tap Taiwan’s freedoms for industrial innovation.
- Missiles, lies, and contrition. Has Iran changed?
The regime’s owning up to shooting down a civilian plane after denying its role hints at a new introspection and humility, even if forced.
- Sudan races for peace, then democracy
An incomplete democratic revolution has wisely focused on talks to end armed movements to unite Africa’s third-largest country.
- Congress can lead on both war and peace
After the war scare with Iran, lawmakers can show more leadership in directing a president on war powers.
- One cure for escalating US-Iran violence
Both countries already have many restraints to prevent major conflict, but Iraqis are setting an example: a movement to end revenge violence.
- Taiwan takes a sobering lesson from Hong Kong
As elections loom on Taiwan, the struggle in Hong Kong to keep democracy alive is making Taiwan skeptical of a “one country, two systems” deal of its own with China.
- What the chief justice must do
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts has made a point of defending the independence and impartiality of the nation’s highest court. That stand will be tested when he presides at the Trump impeachment trial.
- Does Dry January signal a shift on alcohol?
Despite its good intentions, Prohibition failed to impose sobriety on the public. But popular movements such as Dry January and Sober Curious now encourage individuals to experience the benefits of an alcohol-free life for themselves.
- Where Republicans and Democrats work together to ‘fix Congress’
An under-the-radar select committee recommends practical changes that can improve the way government work.
- 2020 and human progress
The bad news of the past year and decade can hide wonderful examples of better lives for people around the world. Rather than debate the pluses and minuses of the past, why not jump in now on the side of hope?
- Hello, who’s there? Maybe fewer scammers.
A rare piece of bipartisan legislation recently passed by Congress promises to get tougher on annoying and harmful robocalls. But continuing to just say no to answering them will still be the last line of defense.
- Keeping homeless people in mental view
The Christmas season offers a time to remember those who have no home to go home to.
- Helping college students avoid money woes
High schools and parents often fail to teach basic financial literacy. But a student’s life during and after college can hinge on learning important planning skills.