All The Monitor's View
- When an apology need not be demanded
With Japan’s leader set to make a historic visit to Pearl Harbor, the US is not asking for an apology, just as Japan did not ask Obama for one in his visit to Hiroshima. Friends are like that.
- The real battle in Aleppo and Mosul
Iraq’s war on Islamic State in Mosul has one big difference from Syria’s war on Aleppo. It tries to protect civilians while Syria either attacks them or basic facilities. Iraq is on the side of history for humanitarian law.
- Germany’s shift toward a burqa ban
German leader Angela Merkel, once opposed to a ban on face veils, now favors them in certain public places. As much of Europe moves toward such bans, it must debate them with both practicality and compassion.
- Why the EU can’t let a crisis go to waste
The shared values of the European Union will not only help it survive each new challenge, such as the current one in Italy, but reshape how it lives up to its promise of continentwide peace and prosperity.
- Goodbye peak oil, hello peak demand
Instead of running out of oil, the world may be able to leave some of it in the ground as transportation alternatives improve.
- Seeking truth, 21st-century style
The growing popularity of 'fake news' offers an opportunity for everyone to stop, take a deep breath, and weigh the veracity of what they read online.
- A counternarrative for Boko Haram’s victims
As Nigeria pushes back the violent jihadist group, the millions of victims of that war are in desperate need. Yet one need – resiliency – is being mirrored back to them by one woman’s images of hope.
- The youthful path to ending Middle East wars
On the sixth anniversary of the Arab Spring, the region’s youth are even more embracing openness and freedom. They might help bring peace from below.
- Why quality jobs are ahead, not behind
Automation, more than globalization, has changed the job market. If Donald Trump and others seek to ‘bring back’ good jobs, they must first deal with people’s fears of automation – and learn from those who have adapted.
- Fidel Castro’s unusual gift to history
His personal rule over decades was the longest in modern times, which has become an oddity in a time when more people embrace liberty and accountability.
- Can the US really disengage from the world?
So many nations have come to expect a global order based on shared values, often under US leadership, that President-elect Trump may be indicating flexibility on his ‘America First’ stance. Just look at two of his top foreign-policy appointments.
- Thanks for the new givers
From #GivingTuesday to ‘giving circles,’ the forms of generosity are changing as young people seek closer bonds to the people and the causes that receive their time and money. They deserve thanks during this giving season.
- Tunisia's hopes for truth to set it free
To reconcile a nation torn by a brutal past, victims of past oppression in Tunisia are allowed to air their experiences in hopes their repressors will repent. A ‘truth’ commission aims to prevent cycles of revenge, setting a model for the Middle East.
- Why Trump’s ‘forgotten’ must include the homeless
The latest data again confirms a steady decline in homelessness, a result of local and federal efforts under both Obama and Bush. The key has been housing for the homeless and volunteers who form trusting bonds.
- An end to Trump’s politics of anger?
President Obama credits Trump’s victory to working-class anger at globalization. But globalization may not be the prime villain, and anger must be replaced by constructive empathy.
- Peace pact 2.0 to end Colombia’s war
In one of the grandest experiments in restorative justice, Colombia has a new peace pact aimed at ending a long war. The key element that was missing: restitution to victims by the war’s perpetrators.
- What Trump’s win may say about money in politics
Clinton lost despite a much bigger campaign war chest, raising doubts about money buying elections. Are voters more savvy in judging well-funded campaigns?
- A new take on holiday giving
Thanksgiving marks the start of the ‘giving season,’ but this year a new trend shows how people are seeking to give in more meaningful ways.
- Where Trump’s success is everyone’s success
To bind the nation, Democrats and Republicans must quickly agree to solve a common problem: rebuilding the nation’s roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. It would be an easy win-win, setting a healing tone.
- President-elect Trump’s humble request
To heal the election’s bitter aftermath, Trump asked for ‘guidance’ from his opponents. If he follows through, he could learn from state and local leaders who often practice the qualities needed for bipartisanship.