All The Monitor's View
- 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.
- The cost of winning at all costs
A doping scandal means Russia’s teams and flag will be banned from international sports competition for years to come. Will it shame the country into making real reforms?
- The arc of post-prison forgiveness
Kentucky’s move to restore voting rights for many former prisoners reflects a deeper reform in criminal justice.
- Middle East starts to clean house
In countries with mass protests, early successes include convictions on corruption even before democratic reforms. Demands for honest governance are as strong as those for democracy.
- Brexit and other fixes in globalization
The Conservative victory in Britain is just the latest course correction for several trade deals, or a necessary reform to heal those hurt by the flow of goods, people, money, and information across borders.
- All for one in Europe’s climate plan
A bold proposal for carbon cuts by the European Commission also comes with plans to share the burden fairly. The fair part may be as important as the carbon targets.
- When peace prize laureates falter
Two recent Nobel winners are under fire, only highlighting an era in which concepts of leadership are shifting.
- Ukraine's real power with Russia
The first peace talks in three years showed how much Russia is weakening as Ukraine’s recent progress gives it increasing strength to resist Moscow’s influence.
- A nation’s remarkable recovery of trust
Ten years ago, Greece’s false claims about its debt sent both it and Europe into an economic spiral. Now its steady return to credibility shows how countries can restore trust.
- Tiger’s tale out of the rough
A decade after contritely admitting infidelity and falling from the grace of professional golf, Tiger Woods’ recovery in the sport shows the power of forgiveness.