All The Monitor's View
- Facebook’s lapse in privacy protection
The use of personal data on Facebook accounts for political targeting must bring higher standards for privacy protection. Companies that use ‘big data’ rely on the trust of customers.
- The light Stephen Hawking leaves behind
Tributes to the British scientist continue to roll in, noting how his humble search for truth inspired others, especially at a time of ‘fake news’ and misinformation.
- South Africa sings in the anti-corruption chorus
The prosecution of a former president on corruption reflects a global trend among many democracies to end impunity and ensure equality of law.
- The race to be a start-up nation
A survey reveals that better innovation may lie in how well each country replaces a cultural taboo against failure in business with encouraging faith in finding the best ideas.
- Why web users are ‘norm entrepreneurs’
Calls to curb misinformation and other abuses on the web – such as a recent plea from web founder Tim Berners-Lee – must rest on the assumption that users have the capacity to discern fact from falsehood. US security officials rely on that premise.
- Take the taint out of March Madness
The college basketball national championship is an annual sports extravaganza enjoyed by million of fans. But until illegal, secret payments to players are addressed it remains a tainted spectacle.
- A prize for dwellings that connect
This year’s winner of the ‘Nobel’ for architecture is an Indian who helps the ‘have-nots’ see a home as more than a physical box.
- The art of listening in a Trump-Kim summit
The US and North Korea have built up their strengths and also made minor concessions to arrange a summit. Now they need the personal interaction to build up trust, step by step.
- Behold Greeks bearing a gift
While other European countries have seen a rise in anti-EU parties, the one nation that came close to leaving has reentered the fold with a measure of success.
- The opioid crisis requires anger management
A judge overseeing lawsuits against legal opioid makers and distributors makes a good case for reducing the anger in favor of a brokered settlement with solutions.
- Did North Korea just make a try for trust?
Its conditional offer to get rid of its nuclear weapons is quite a reversal, suggesting sanctions are working. The Kim regime may realize it must rebuild trust with the US to avoid internal regime change.
- Gentleness as a German export
Chancellor Merkel’s fourth term in office reflects a rare set of qualities in leadership, from patience to tender reason. They help both Germany and Europe find stability in rough times.
- The moral question behind Trump’s plan on metal tariffs
The president’s proposal may not bring the jobs, economic boost, or better security that he suggests. But on one point – his moral claim of reciprocity – Trump deserves a hearing.
- Prepare to meet the Parkland generation
The teen survivors of the Florida shooting are leading two mass events in March, reflecting the values of Generation Z.
- A light for Afghanistan's long, dark war
The Afghan president’s offer to engage in talks with the Taliban includes the possibility of the militants becoming a political party in elections. Such leniency implies the Taliban may be more sensitive to civilian opinion.
- What a pause in Syria’s war can mean
A reluctant Russia calls for a temporary cease-fire in Ghouta, reflecting the idea that the sovereignty of innocent lives matters more than national sovereignty.
- The quality of mercy in stemming violence
More than 100 former terrorists are offering private apologies to their victims this week in Indonesia. The goal: preventing violence through contrition, reconciliation, and mercy.
- Helping the world’s largest group of homeless
The UN and Europe have put out a plea to assist 4.1 million displaced people in Congo. Such aid might help the country become Africa’s next democratic success story.
- What is really scarce in a water drought
As places like Cape Town and California deal with less water, their leaders must see the abundance in innovation and cooperation.
- More than one way to prevent mass shootings
Those on the front lines of dealing with young people can be given the support needed to instill qualities of character that might preempt violent behavior.