All The Monitor's View
France’s drive for ethical politicsA new president and his young party have already shaken the traditional (and often corrupt) political order. Now Emmanuel Macron aims to set tough rules on ethics for French lawmakers. How will his reform differ from that in other countries?
When prayer helps end conflictsReligious leaders have achieved a truce between rebel groups in the Central African Republic through a ‘spiritually inspired’ method.
What refugees might say of World Refugee DayThis year’s event on June 20 comes as aid groups rethink the approach to refugees – less as victims and more as participants in restoring their dignity.
When Muslims march for peaceWith Islamic State instigating more attacks on the West, Muslim groups in Germany hope a march for peace will show that such terrorism is not part of Islam.
Why politicians must play ballAfter the shooting at a GOP baseball practice, lawmakers showed remarkable civility. Here are active steps that can keep it going.
Americans expand the idea of giving – and goodnessGiving to charity hit another record last year, but a new form of giving – impact investing – is catching up fast.
US as a good neighbor to Central AmericaLike recent presidents, President Trump seeks to uplift Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala to help stem the flow of drugs and migrants. US priorities in the region may shift but its neighborliness should not.
Can China turn a moral corner?The ruling party’s use of fear to deter corruption may be shifting toward positive ways to instill honesty in governance.
Keeping the global promise of a quality educationCountries and world bodies such as the UN have helped expand access to schooling. Now they must enhance the quality of education.
One antidote to the use of female jihadistsThe role of a woman in the terrorist attacks in Iran should help highlight the effort of several Muslim countries to train women as spiritual guides. The main purpose: to prevent recruitment of young people by jihadists.
France takes a turn neither left nor rightA new president, Emmanuel Macron, has so far set a model for democracies in shaking up the old political order – if he can win a majority in coming legislative elections.
What can bind the Middle EastAs a rift opens between Arab states, adding to the region’s conflicts, Oman can possibly serve as neutral party. The small Gulf country relies on a brand of Islam that teaches unity and tolerance.
The other target in London Bridge attacksTerrorists aim not only to kill but to destroy social order. Britain’s response to the June 3 attack shows how societies must bond – like a bridge – against this threat.
Why the US must honor corruption fightersBipartisan support of anti-corruption efforts, reflected in a June 7 ceremony on Capitol Hill, helps promote democracy and prevent violence.
Why the world is more at peaceThe latest measurement of global peace finds violence was down last year, a sign that more people understand what makes peace – and that it can be inevitable.
Europe and its attractive power win a key battleUkraine’s bid to eventually join the European Union wins a critical vote, a victory in its war against Russia and for democratic values.
Does free, basic income build character?Social experiments in Ontario and Finland test the idea that a minimal guaranteed paycheck can uplift and sustain people’s livelihood. Such tests may provide insight on the source of ‘self-efficacious’ attributes of character.
A day for Africans to riseThis year’s Africa Day was marked by a new movement that seeks to define liberation as starting within each African.
How Trump and Europe rebondedPresident Trump’s first official visit with EU and NATO leaders shows why the two alliances should be based on values more than interests.
Manchester’s lesson about fragile statesThe suicide bomber, who seemed like a lost young man, may have been trained by Islamic State in Libya, one of the world’s most fragile states.
