All The Monitor's View
- Why impeachment watchers need a Thanksgiving break
A holiday of gratitude and rejoicing that Lincoln used to bind a broken nation can again heal a people who increasingly see themselves on the edge of civil war.
- Saudi Arabia sells an opening to the world
Selling shares in its giant oil company, Aramco, could force a repressive monarchy to be held accountable, not just by investors but by restless, freedom-seeking Saudi youths.
- It takes a village to stop mass shooters
A new federal focus aims at supporting citizens and communities to keep guns away from troubled individuals. Short of banning guns, local efforts may be the best prevention.
- Plucking the hate out of Hong Kong protests
Months of demonstrations have spiraled down to sheer hatred between protesters and police. The only way up is to listen to those who have conquered such hate.
- Latin America's civic awakening
Protesters in Chile and Bolivia have thrown off their reputation for low political participation with mass protests that are bringing basic democratic reform.
- The uniting politics of second-chance justice
Oklahoma’s mass commutation reflects a bipartisan spirit of forgiveness that could find a place in American politics.
- The motives behind two postwar protests
In Iraq and Colombia, demonstrators expected more of a “peace dividend” after the end to recent wars. They know peace is more than an absence of conflict.
- The art of listening in Yemen's war
A deal between two warring factions, a result of each side heeding the other’s interests, hints at a path toward peace in what is the world’s worst humanitarian disaster.
- The epic struggle behind Iraq’s protests
Demonstrators are rejecting Iran’s influence and, along with it, cleric-based rule. The Middle East will be better off with their assertion of self-governance.
- South Africa has a springbok in its step
A World Cup victory by its racially integrated national rugby team was not only inspiring, it set a tone of gratitude for the country’s progress on race and opportunity.
- Sea level rising? Make some new land
For some seacoast cities new property reclaimed from the ocean could be more valuable than the cost of making it.
- Celebrating the unlikely champs
The Washington Nationals managed to make winning in the face of almost certain defeat look routine. They entertained and sustained us.
- Why we still drop a card
The internet whisks images and texts around the globe nearly instantaneously. But after 150 years the common postcard still holds its own unique appeal.
- Are job skills and an education the same thing?
English majors may be in decline, but studying the humanities is still a worthwhile option.
- Birds on a high wire
Two recent studies show North America’s birdlife in peril. But humans can still change the picture.
- Rediscovering Mr. Rogers
What seemed like a simple, gentle children’s show has had an unexpected impact on society. It all began with the way he viewed his ‘neighbors.’
- Sweet uses of adversity for African entrepreneurs
Africa’s digital revolution may be lagging but its many obstacles are also a source for innovation.
- The Balkans fuse
Three nations in what was once Europe’s powder keg set plans to blend their economies, replicating the “common home” of the EU.
- Canada’s breach over oil exports
Monday’s election may force Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to find a better balance between the oil-rich provinces and Canada’s leadership on climate change.
- Lebanon awakes to fearmongering
Days of protests reveal a diverse nation shaking off corrupt politicians who divide by sects to stay in power.