All The Monitor's View
- ‘Black Panther’ challenges limits on identity
The blockbuster action movie illustrates the potential for infinite expression, not the limits of one racial identity.
- After large-scale killings, aid groups find new ways to comfort
From Florida to post-ISIS Iraq, incidents of mass violence have pushed humanitarian groups to offer care for trauma and ways for communities to rebond.
- An antidote to despair over yet another mass shooting
Progress to prevent large-scale violence in the US can seem slow. Yet any exasperation can be countered with gratitude toward humanity’s progress over many ills.
- South Africa’s struggle for honest leaders
The ruling African National Congress turned on President Zuma in response to the same kind of civic activism that ended white rule, only this time the cause is honest governance.
- Bending the arc toward national service
France and Canada have each proposed ways for young people to engage in national service. The US, meanwhile, has seen a drop in volunteering. A special panel could help reverse that trend.
- India links women’s safety and economic growth
Even as its economy spurts ahead, India cites a need to end violence against women, girls, and female fetuses in order to maintain growth.
- A veiled truth in Iran and the US
In Iran, women protest a law imposing the hijab while in the US many Muslim women oppose the stigma against headscarves. The common demand is to recognize an individual’s dignity and freedom of choice.
- Signal of hope for Venezuela
A trip to Latin America by the top US envoy reveals the extent of Venezuela’s crisis. By helping the country’s refugees, the rest of the region might send a message about respect for innocent lives.
- Europe revives its power of attraction
After years of internal woes, the EU looks to expand its values into the troublesome Balkans with a renewed offer of membership. Its positive narrative can counter competition for influence from Russia and China.
- How the Olympics can reshape the Koreas
Young South Koreans, in protesting the forced kinship on a joint hockey team, display a civic identity above ethnic nationalism. Perhaps that is a path toward peace on the peninsula.
- The Fed’s drive for moral leadership in bank boards
The Federal Reserve’s surprise punishment of Wells Fargo hints at its new demand for board directors to be proactive as moral managers of corporate culture.
- After mass rape, turning disgrace into grace
New services for women assaulted in conflict, such as in the Rohingya crisis, aim to restore a survivor’s dignity and remove social stigmas. Another aim is to help end gender inequality and the culture of impunity toward wartime rape.
- Who can win the peace in Syria?
This long war is heading to a contest over which countries can afford to reconstruct the country and win over the Syrian people.
- Amazon and friends try to heal the healers
Amazon joins with Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan to bring the best in disruptive innovation to curbing costs in health care. Yet their approach needs a deeper look at quality of care.
- Super Bowl as respite and bridge
This outsize TV spectacle is losing viewers. Yet such national rituals are needed to help Americans transcend their widening political divide.
- Africa eyes a new path to clean governance
The continent’s leaders set 2018 as a year to tackle corruption. But a top-down approach may not work, as Nigeria is learning.
- Humility as an asset in France
A new leader claims he is helping the French learn how to fail in business, a necessary step for innovation and one that requires humility.
- US response to China’s techno threats: Do what you do well
As China moves to achieve technological dominance, the US must continue to value the very things that foster innovation.
- The Vegas shooter and problem gambling
Stephen Paddock’s motives in the Las Vegas massacre remain unclear but officials point to his extensive gambling as a possible factor. Can problem gamblers be better enticed to curb their behavior?
- A global wish for honest leaders
Can there be a #MeToo-style campaign against corruption? One region shows that a cross-border movement is possible.