All The Monitor's View
Why anti-bribery laws help global businessA 1977 law against foreign corruption was long viewed as putting US firms at a disadvantage overseas. Perhaps its success in helping profits might convince President Trump to keep the law and enforce it.
Europe’s anchor for identity in rough seasAs it prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary, the European Union faces internal and external threats. Its fallback for unity: a shared cultural identity.
The power in welcoming alternative viewsPresident Trump’s first official trip was to the CIA, an agency trained to encourage dissent about intelligence information but one that must also ‘face hard truths’ about itself.
What defines victory for Iraq in MosulAs Iraqi forces end Islamic State’s hold in the country’s second-largest city, politicians are racing to avoid the old mistake of continuing Shiite-Sunni divisions. Political reconciliation is the best weapon against terrorist groups.
Africa’s object lesson in democracyA postelection crisis in Gambia has stirred the country’s neighbors to intervene, sign of a stronger commitment to democracy in Africa.
Breaking the fall of trust in institutionsA global survey shows a sharp decline of trust in government, business, and other institutions. Rebuilding trust starts with qualities that lessen the fear of rapid change or end corrupt practices.
Finding unity on a new health-care lawObamacare set down access to health care as a universal good, a point that Trump and much of the GOP now concedes. A new law would help fix flaws in the Affordable Care Act.
Indonesia’s hunt for honest taxpayersA tax amnesty in this Southeast Asian nation has yielded a mass display of contrition among tax evaders. The new honesty will help rebuild both the economy and democracy.
The Big Apple’s big drop in crimeKillings and felonies are way down as the city shifts police work to focus on habitual lawbreakers. The key: offering a choice to be free of crime.
That Detroit light on urban revivalAs Washington debates bipartisan spending on infrastructure, it can take a cue from Detroit’s post-bankruptcy progress in bringing a fresh light on urban dark spots.
Hacking as political warfareThe 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 votePresidential 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 humanity2017 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 challengeThe rules are changing, and workers are finding advantages and disadvantages in the new gig economy.
Letting go – and looking aheadSaying ‘good riddance’ to the old year is only a start.
The disappearing death penaltyThe 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 welcomeThe longer the president of the Congo remains in power past the end of his constitutional term, the more resentment will build.
