All The Monitor's View
Why North Korea may be a threat to itselfA survey of refugees reveals a large underground economy in North Korea that runs on US dollars – and rising corruption. Perhaps the US needs patience as the regime rots from within.
A borderless world in curbing corruptionMore countries now allow outside influence in battling corruption. Latest example: Ukraine agrees to set up an anti-corruption court as a condition of aid. A bill in the US Senate would greatly expand this global drive against graft.
Turkey’s potential shift on mosque and stateA referendum result will likely give strong powers to a president who founded the governing Islamist party. As long as its democracy is preserved, Turkey may find a new balance between Islam and secular rule.
When artists are on the frontlines – of peaceFrom South Korea to Colombia, many performers and other artists play a unique role in creating a receptivity toward peace and in healing the trauma of conflict. Their works can open a dialogue for trust, even amid war.
Next up in curbing corruption: South AfricaLarge protests against corruption could help force President Zuma to resign. South Africa, like many large emerging economies, faces a rising demand for honesty and accountability.
What Americans mean by ‘health’The concept of health has expanded rapidly beyond physical well-being, a survey discovers. More people expect health to be mental, even spiritual. Many industries, such as hotels and hospitals, are responding.
Egypt’s example of cross-faith goodwillThe latest ISIS attack on Christians pushes Egyptians to confront their religious tensions. Yet the country’s faith leaders are already ahead in grass-roots reconciliation.
Wells Fargo’s recovery from a costly scandalThe bank’s board releases an internal probe on the causes for the fake-accounts scandal and concludes that senior executives failed in their ethical management. Solution: Manage with incentives and examples that inspire employees to act rightly.
Trump’s epiphany on SyriaOnce apparently indifferent to the slaughter in Syria, Trump as president saw more closely the killing of the innocent and knew of his power to prevent it. In a globalized world, such feelings of moral responsibility are new to many, not only an American leader.
If Trump visits China, here’s what he should seeThe US-China summit in Florida is only the start for redefining a difficult relationship. If President Trump now returns the visit, he should see the future of China – a place that leads in innovation and freedom.
Syria is not a black hole for international lawEven 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 electionThe 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 reconciliationA 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 etiquetteA 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 civiliansIn 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 VenezuelaThe 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 hateAs 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 RussiansThe 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 truthAs 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.
