All The Monitor's View
- Hacking as political warfare
The US election hack shows the power of digital dirty tricks.
- Africa rising? Well, yes it is.
Plenty of bad news gets reported. But deeper trend lines show progress too.
- A defining French vote
Presidential elections this spring could signal the end of the European Union.
- If college football is so popular, where are the fans?
Attendance at bowl games is declining; schools should find out why.
- Two clergymen who helped free humanity
2017 marks the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s revolutionary act – and the 50th of Martin Luther King Jr.’s expanded mission.
- For young or old, the 21st-century workplace is a challenge
The rules are changing, and workers are finding advantages and disadvantages in the new gig economy.
- Letting go – and looking ahead
Saying ‘good riddance’ to the old year is only a start.
- The disappearing death penalty
The use of capital punishment dropped again in 2016, a positive trend.
- Will 2017 be the year to defeat sports doping?
2016 revealed massive illegal drug use by Russian athletes. Could that scandal become a turning point?
- Kabila has overstayed his welcome
The longer the president of the Congo remains in power past the end of his constitutional term, the more resentment will build.
- Looking beyond the holidays
The world needs the song of Christmas year round
- Germany after the market attack: ‘free, together, and open’
Ordinary people in Germany and elsewhere are rejecting the temptation of hate and fear.
- Finding alternatives to solitary confinement
Both the federal government and states are looking at ways to reduce the practice, which a UN agency has called a form of torture.
- Syrian-Americans: model immigrants?
A study of earlier immigrants from Syria finds them ‘doing very well’ and should ease concerns about recent refugees.
- A Japan-Russia step toward reconciliation
The two countries agreed on a move toward resolving a territorial dispute by first focusing on a common goal : joint development. If it works, the agreement may be a model for similar disputes in Asia.
- How Obama can respond to Russian hacking
As more details emerge about Russian hacking during the 2016 election, the US must be careful about resorting to retaliation. The world needs agreements that lessen the fear of cyberwarfare.
- A lesson dawns in Philippine drug war
President Duterte’s support of vigilante killings of anyone suspected of drugs has not only brought demands for due process of law but more attention to the best solution: more concern for the healing of addicts.
- A new light on a dark problem: North Korea
As North Korea becomes more dangerous, a fresh approach is needed to end this nuclear threat. Sanctions and threats have yet to work. Perhaps the US can reach the North Korean people with a message of hope.
- Tweet less, talk more
Real conversations – in person – are still needed for understanding, especially for world leaders. Donald Trump’s tweets, such as those about China, are no substitute for meaningful dialogue.
- How to let Christmas be Christmas
Now nearly a global event, Christmas has become contentious and commercial. Its meaning can be obscured if people feel pressure to give gifts. Yet in its popularity remains a hint of its purpose: an appreciation for a spiritual dawn.