All The Monitor's View
- Syria is not a black hole for international law
Even though the conflict in Syria violates so many humanitarian norms, such as the use of chemical weapons, the world can keep supporting the hospitality of nearby countries in hosting Syrian refugees.
- The quality that may sway France’s election
The leading presidential candidate, Emmanuel Macron, is admired for his listening skills, a trait that young French voters cite as the most important leadership quality.
- When disaster brings reconciliation
A massive flood in Colombia brought an offer of aid from a rebel group, another example of how disasters can bring people together and alter the course of history.
- Tools to reshape digital etiquette
A survey of tech experts predicts that the future in online behavior could lead to less hate and misinformation with the right incentives and artificial intelligence. Individuals must be empowered to conduct civil public discourse.
- A ring of care for Mosul’s civilians
In a precedent for urban warfare, Iraq’s battle to retake the city of Mosul from ISIS includes a chain of care facilities for civilians wounded in the intense fighting. This marks a triumph for humanitarian law.
- A neighborly rebuke to a wayward Venezuela
The country’s biggest neighbors in Latin America insist on talks between President Maduro and the opposition to end a political and humanitarian crisis. Neighbors like that are now more common in the world.
- A good defense against terrorist hate
As Islamic State loses ground, it seeks a base in Egypt. A branch there has lately killed dozens of Christians in an attempt to rally Muslims to its side. But the tactic has failed. Muslims instead are coming to the aid of Christians.
- A model for anti-corruption Russians
The March 26 protests in dozens of Russian cities were not simply against the corruption under President Putin. Many demonstrators also know how another former Soviet state, Georgia, has achieved relatively clean governance.
- Trump and the question of truth
As more citizens distrust traditional media, they must rely even more on their own ability to discern statements from elected leaders like President Trump. Democracy depends on informed voters.
- Help North Koreans ‘live in the truth’
The US has now added the option of a preemptive strike on North Korea’s nuclear sites, but it should first highlight the regime’s human rights abuses. Here’s why that tactic helped bring down the Iron Curtain.
- Can you tally up world progress?
The UN’s latest index on human development reveals ‘impressive’ results in well-being. But it also suggests that immeasurable qualities are necessary for progress.
- When ex-offenders deserve forgiveness on their records
With nearly a third of adults having criminal records, one study looks at the effects of hiding the records of those who don’t reoffend. The results show the need for further work in offering such forgiveness.
- For one war-wracked nation, a path to happiness
The world’s least-happiest country, the Central African Republic, is also one of its most fragile, a result of violent civil strife. Yet it is also the focus of an international effort to disarm and reintegrate its armed groups, bringing some hope.
- In conflicts, faith leaders must often stay above
With Libya falling into violent chaos and foreign diplomacy failing, one report suggests that some local Muslim clerics serve as trusted mediators, able to attract warring parties through moderation and equality.
- Global economy finally hums but needs a purr of innovation
The world has struggled for seven years to create steady growth. Now it needs a spigot of ideas and reforms to improve productivity.
- The hope needed to end a hunger crisis of historic scale
With acute food needs in four countries, the UN faces the worst humanitarian crisis in seven decades. The world must assist its most vulnerable, not only with money but efforts for peace in these conflict areas.
- World Bank takes on pernicious beliefs
Its development report asks why certain harmful beliefs persist and suggests ways to shape people’s preferences to ensure progress. First task: Challenge the idea of power with the power of ideas.
- Finding the voice of voters in India
As Western democracies deal with voter rage and populist parties, India’s leader tries to appeal to poor voters by enlisting them in development, even asking them to think differently.
- The importance of the Trump-Merkel dialogue
As the US seeks to close itself off, German leader Angela Merkel may ask Trump to join her in embracing a kind of openness that blesses people and nations rather than hurts them. She knows what a closed society looks like.
- In a trustless world, where to find qualities of trust
With trust in institutions at a record low worldwide, a good place to look for success in trust-building are companies with the most satisfied employees.