All The Monitor's View
- The pocketbook case for EVs
Electric vehicles have been thought of as only for the wealthy or environmentally conscious. But that thinking is being challenged by a coming new generation of affordable and earth-friendly cars.
- Helping minority youths dream beyond sports
Former President Obama and ex-NFL player Martellus Bennett are among those who want to lift stereotypes and limits off young black boys and men.
- Ode to joy, and peace, in Venezuela
Dueling concerts on either side of the border will highlight again the use of peaceful tactics by the country’s pro-democracy forces to oust a ruthless leader.
- Trump meets his Magna Carta
The many challenges to his use of emergency powers for a border wall are also a challenge to the steady rise in presidential power – and to the definition of leadership as only one-person rule.
- How Nigeria may raise the democratic bar
The Feb. 16 presidential election shows a new maturity in having issue-based campaigns and less politicking based on personality, ethnicity, religion, or geography.
- Restoring a high threshold for war
In trying to end the US role in Yemen’s war, Congress may finally be returning authority for war – and the protection of liberty – to itself.
- A surprise lesson after the Parkland shootings
In the year since the Florida school tragedy, the student activists had to learn not to see their policy opponents as ‘bad people.’ This shift toward listening may help shape the gun debate.
- Snowballing peace with North Korea
South Korea’s president can be credited for the small steps of peace leading up to the second US-North Korea summit. He may have created a virtuous circle of trust.
- The harsh light on Iran’s Islamic Revolution
The celebration of the revolution’s 40th anniversary was not focused on its weakest link: arbitrary rule by an unelected cleric. Iranians prefer other models, based on equality and freedom.
- A princess upends Thailand's old guard
In an election bid, the daughter of the late king sheds her royal rights and sends a signal about equality and individual sovereignty.
- Measuring victory over Islamic State
President Trump’s plan to declare victory over the militant group’s last stronghold rests on only one type of victory needed to end the roots of terrorism.
- A contest of butter vs. guns in Venezuela
The military’s blockage of foreign aid should not be countered by outside force. Democracy’s future there depends on peaceful means to win over the armed forces.
- Exit or grace for Virginia's governor?
The case of Gov. Ralph Northam and his past racist acts should compel the political parties to explore ways of justice that bring healing for victims, society, and the perpetrator.
- Why the pope was in Islam's heartland
His trip is part of a larger attempt by Christian, Muslim, and Jewish leaders since 9/11 to define the common theological threads that can repel violence and protect religious minorities.
- The best ‘wall’ against Central American migration
Presidential candidates who vow to curb corruption, like Nayib Bukele in El Salvador’s contest, reflect a rising citizen demand for clean government.
- A leadership style that unites Venezuela
The swift rise of a young and unknown politician, Juan Guaidó, as interim president was as much a result of his own humility as of political forces. His style has united a splintered opposition.
- Super Bowl’s halftime controversy
Some want to send a political message. Others just want to enjoy the sporting event and its entertainment. Civility on race issues can only help civil rights.
- When anti-corruption protests succeed
The latest ranking of nations by corruption levels shows a link to levels of democracy. Popular demands for leaders with integrity are also demands for accountability and transparency.
- A plank for peace in Afghanistan
Even a tentative agreement on two points between the US and the Taliban can allow for more trust-building and for new ideas to emerge and help end a 17-year war.
- A name change that changes Europe
Greece agrees that its neighbor can use the name Macedonia, ending a long dispute and adding to the peace growing in the Balkans.