All The Monitor's View
- The real story in Puerto Rico
People there are doing much to help themselves and each other. Those who live at a distance can join with them through prayers and donations.
- A New Deal for South Africa
The election of a new leader by the African National Congress could signal a watershed moment in the effort to wipe out corruption and cronyism, and improve the lives of poor South Africans.
- When corporations come clean on climate effects
Shareholders are becoming a powerful force prodding companies to explain what they are doing about climate change and how it will affect them, for better or worse.
- When ‘culture clash’ gets in the way
A quarter century after the notion of a ‘clash of civilizations’ became a popular view of the world, the exceptions point a different way.
- Hope for US-North Korea talks?
Hints and events are lining up for possible negotiations and a lessening of fear of war in Northeast Asia.
- People once at odds don’t try to even the score
Countries from Iraq to Colombia are now seeking reconciliation after war or dictatorship. One country, Rwanda, shows what can be done.
- An Arctic pact shows what’s possible
Dozens of countries eager to fish in the warming Arctic have wisely decided to hold off for 16 years. This caution – and cooperation – provide a precedent for further agreements on the far north.
- Grass-roots view of Trump’s security strategy
In coming days, the White House will issue a strategy on dealing with foreign threats. But most Americans are already on the front lines of such work. They need thoughtful help from presidents.
- Taiwan lets go a symbol of ancient days
A new law calls for removing landmarks honoring a former dictator, Chiang Kai-shek, whose Confucian-style rule on the island nation finds renewed favor within China’s ruling party.
- If not the US, then who as Mideast mediator?
President Trump’s decision to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem is seen as ending the US role as mediator between Israelis and Palestinians. Now may be the time for another power to be a third-party facilitator that can bring fresh thinking to both sides.
- Olympic-class athletes find their voice of integrity
The ban on Russia at the next Olympics was driven in part by demands of athletes who want to stay clean, play fairly, and not again be cheated of medals.
- Raising graduation rates, one expectation at a time
One probable reason for the steady rise in high school graduation rates may lie in higher expectations of schools and in teacher attitudes toward students.
- Lift the ban on sports gambling?
The Supreme Court could open the floodgates to legal betting on sports, a move that would need citizens, not just state lawmakers and sports leagues, to be involved in weighing the potential costs, such as match-fixing and underage gambling.
- Why speak up about anti-Muslim tweets?
The British leader’s denunciation of a retweet by President Trump, along with her support for Muslims, adds to a trend against such religious bigotry.
- Liberating African slaves – again
The discovery of a slave auction in Libya has stirred both European and African leaders into action. Now they must deal with the mental chains that pushed African migrants into the clutches of smugglers.
- A hint of mercy in post-Mugabe Zimbabwe
A new leader offers amnesty to those who return stolen public money. The African country will need many other acts of forgiveness and truth-telling to achieve reconciliation.
- Moment of truth for a Syrian peace
Peace talks planned in Geneva may succeed if all sides abide by the Security Council demand for UN-run elections. The power of guns may give way to the power of democracy.
- In the giving season, a special act of charity
As nations stepped up to pledge money for hurricane-hit Caribbean islands, one donation stood out. Haiti, despite its own devastation and poverty, promised aid to its neighbors.
- The global spread of a culture of integrity
The mass arrests for corruption in Saudi Arabia were really a result of peer pressure among the world’s wealthiest countries who are trying to address a public desire for openness and transparency in governance.
- Finding virtue after a war crimes verdict
The conviction of the former Bosnian Serb commander brings justice to many, but also a lesson about equality – the very virtue needed for peace in the Balkans.