All The Monitor's View
- Listening while on the stump
As nearly half of humanity holds elections this year, voters seek to be heard in order to place their trust in democracy.
- Why many in Iran root for Israel
A history of Iranians shaping an inclusive national identity may explain support for the Jewish state.
- Hidden restraints on a Mideast firestorm
Iran’s threat of retaliation against Israel might be limited by the region’s trends toward peace.
- Europe’s model on migration
In Europe and the U.S., illegal migration is a top concern. Yet new reforms by the European Union show how to balance competing views based on democratic values.
- How resilient care can temper a war
A yearlong war in Sudan could end by military victory or negotiation. Yet pro-democracy activists are attempting a sort of peacebuilding based on compassion.
- A welcome for German leadership
In its first permanent stationing of combat troops outside of its borders, Germany shows it will stand for NATO’s values as well as defend countries most vulnerable to Russia.
- The roots of forest preservation
Two countries in the Amazon basin have slowed deforestation through community peacemaking.
- What an eclipse brings to light
Monday’s solar eclipse will be a giant mingling of diverse strangers across America. The shared experience will reflect the shared values often eclipsed in the nation’s politics.
- Israel confronts its religious identity
The country’s debate over lifting an exemption to military service for ultra-Orthodox students of the Torah prompts a deeper reflection on the effect of prayer during war.
- In global trouble spots, the force of faith
Governments have noted the healing role of religious figures in mediating between gangs and in violent conflicts.
- Seeds of honest governance in Africa
As young Africans expect more of their rulers, they find hope in a maturing of opposition parties that operate with transparency and rule of law.
- How ‘radical love’ won in Turkey
The main opposition parties won big in municipal elections by embracing the supporters of an authoritarian ruler and not echoing the rhetoric of hate.
- Beyoncé takes country to high places
Her new album not only crosses music genres, but also is part of a renaissance of Black storytelling in the arts that touches on the universal.
- Resilience against Russian lies
A main target for Russian propaganda, Moldova is learning how to shake off such foreign interference.
- An honest hearing in Gibraltar
An inquiry into corruption in the British enclave creates an opportunity to deepen public trust and boost integrity in global finance.
- A caring act for Myanmar’s innocent
Thailand delivers aid across the border in hopes that the gesture of compassion will influence a civil war that’s escalating.
- Harmony wins in Senegal’s ballot
A presidential election marked by judicial independence and civic participation sets a new course for governing with integrity and equality.
- Victories against Russia – outside Ukraine
Many former Soviet states are shaking off Moscow’s meddling to join the European Union – and embrace a civic identity that unites.
- Sports and love bridge an Asian rift
A TV romance series and Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani bring South Korea and Japan closer than ever toward healing the frictions of the past. Love and sports really are universals.
- Flagging the flashes of freedom
Even as leaders of democracies meet to muster their strength, they often overlook how people living under an autocracy express their inherent rights.