All The Monitor's View
- A glare of honesty on black money
India becomes the latest country to crack down on the ‘black economy’ of criminals and tax cheats by withdrawing its largest currency bills. Corruption cannot thrive if money is traceable.
- Either Trump or Clinton – the winner defies age bias
Voters seemed to care little about either candidate’s age, a welcome shift in attitudes. Studies show many seniors are blowing past 'retirement age' with creativity and energy.
- An ancient cure for war-torn Syria
As the conflict escalates in Aleppo and Raqqa, many Syrians are preparing for peace by rekindling the country’s legacy as the place that first gave evidence of divine worship and the idea that diverse people can live together.
- The moral victory in the battle for Mosul
How the Iraqi Army treats the city’s civilians, both during and after the battle, will determine the country’s future. Humanitarian law in war can serve a peaceful purpose.
- The measure of civic virtues in a lost letter
Researchers keep probing for ways to measure civic engagement. Globally, it is alive and well, as the act of helping strangers in need is the most common form of giving back.
- Britain's rethink of gambling
A new government asks for a review of gambling, especially betting machines and gambling ads that reach children. It should also look at weaning gamblers off a belief in luck as the road to riches.
- A Mideast beachhead for reconciliation
Lebanon’s election of a new president not only marks its own attempt to reconcile religious factions but shows how Lebanon can be a model for other Middle East countries caught in religious violence.
- Praise for Panama’s shift to honest business
The Central American country, once a major haven for tax evaders, has quickly joined the global campaign for transparency between countries in declaring foreign assets. It deserves more gratitude for a swift change of heart.
- Africa’s challenge to universal justice
South Africa, Gambia, and Burundi plan to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. While disappointing, their move cannot end the steady progress to establish universal ideals and norms of justice.
- The task ahead for the 2016 election winners
The American political mood is dark and pessimistic just now. This will force those elected in November to listen even more to those they oppose. What they find may surprise them.
- Why 10-year-old girls can lift the world
A new UN report highlights how investments in girls at that critical age can do the most for global prosperity. This focus on their potential is a welcome change from simply highlighting their problems.
- After this election, Americans can ‘wake up’ as one
Thanksgiving arrives only days after the end of a divisive 2016 election campaign. The holiday’s virtues of humility and gratitude must help bring consensus and harmony.
- When rule of law rules the roost
A ranking of countries on their rule of law helps highlight the world's ongoing need for equality in justice. Yet just as important is raising the integrity of prosecutors as well as all citizens.
- The new global view of cities
The latest UN summit on cities revealed a big shift in thinking: Urban areas are seen as less a sea of woes and more a source of solutions for global problems. No wonder more people seek city life.
- Ending modern wars driven by ancient wrongs
South Korea’s leader has asked her people to end their ‘victim mentality’ about past big-power aggression. It was a call that might help other countries whose aggressive ways are driven by a lingering victimhood over ancient grievances.
- Why more American teens succeed
Graduation rates are at a record high, a result of many educational reforms and social trends. But also more students may be excelling by finding inspiration in ‘identity projects.’
- In the battle for Mosul, Islamic State is its own worst enemy
The group’s savagery and missteps – toward Muslims – have created discontent and weakened its grasp from within. With an ideology based on hate, IS can only implode.
- A famine crisis that’s also a test for Nigeria
The world is only waking up to an acute food shortage in Nigeria, caused by the Boko Haram turmoil. Nigerians can also respond better, while raising their confidence in dealing with other woes.
- US strikes in Yemen: a trigger for peacemaking
Yemen’s civil war now has global dimensions – in its civilian casualties, a near-famine, regional escalation, and a direct US attack inside a pivotal country on the Arabian Peninsula. The US bears further responsibility to be a peacemaker.
- The justice route to end Syria’s war
Russian bombing of Aleppo has led France, Britain, and the US to call for a war-crimes investigation. The prospect of Russian leaders being prosecuted by a tribunal might give them an incentive to make peace. A tribunal would also help heal a postwar Syria.