All Commentary
Readers RespondWhy earmarks hinder CongressLetters to the Editor for Dec. 8, 2014 weekly magazine:
Alexander and Ellis: Earmarks aren’t a silver-bullet solution to gridlock, and they wouldn’t alleviate the stark ideological divisions in Congress.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveChrist: Help that is here now
A Christian Science perspective: Can Christ Jesus still help us today?
The Monitor's ViewRussia's march toward self-relianceAs its oil revenue drops and Western sanctions over Ukraine take hold, Russia seeks to cut its economic dependence. Yet the history of prosperity shows the need for nations to share in mutual dependence.
Global NewsstandConstant cycle of violence in Israel, regulating working hours in Japan, Bangladesh’s quiet mobile revolution, Kenya standing against terrorist attacks, Latvia's first openly gay politicianThis week's round-up of commentaries covers the constant cycle of violence between Israel and Palestine, protecting workers from long hours in Japan, the rise of cell phones in Bangledesh, Kenya coming together after terrorist attacks, and the need for cultural change after politician says he is gay.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveInvisible God
A Christian Science perspective: A young child learns why we can’t see God with our eyes.
The Monitor's ViewWith fewer young people gambling, time for a government rethinkDespite a proliferation of casinos and lotteries, fewer Americans are playing, especially those under 30. Now is a good time to question government backing of an industry that targets youths.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveProsperity as a spiritual quality
A Christian Science perspective: Our global economy grows richer in understanding God’s infinitely abundant goodness.
The Monitor's ViewWhen companies come clean on briberyA global report on foreign corruption reveals a high rate of self-reporting by companies that paid bribes, a sign of the momentum to curb graft in both business and government.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveAngels and healing
A Christian Science perspective: What it means to have “angels charge over thee.”
The Monitor's ViewSpotting the inviolate in oil price volatilityAs oil prices fall and OPEC tries to influence markets, the world again faces uncertainty in energy costs. Yet after decades of price fluctuations, this may have an upside.
Readers RespondReaders Write: Soceity makes war honorable; a new approach in Syria is neededLetters to the Editor for Dec. 1, 2014 weekly magazine:
Kauffman: I wonder if humans don’t all carry an innate horror of violence and warfare. But we are socialized to think that “necessary war” is actually honorable, and those who engage in it are heroes.
Frank: What the US is currently doing in the region isn’t working, and we are running out of choices.
Global NewsstandKazakhstan's rise, Afghan and Pakistan relations, Mexico vying to be China's western base, strides by female lawyers in Malawi, and Australia's World Cup scandalThis week's round-up of commentaries covers the economic rise of Kazakhstan, the possibility of renewed relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, why Mexico wants to become China's hub in Latin America, strides by female lawyers in Malawi, and Australia's role in the World Cup scandal.
- A Christian Science PerspectivePrayer for Jerusalem
A Christian Science perspective: No matter where we are, our prayers for peace can take effect.
The Monitor's ViewA pulpit rebuke of Nigeria's terroristsAfter a horrific suicide bombing at a Nigerian mosque Friday, the country's second-leading Islamic figure offered prayers at the site and denounced Boko Haram for its pretense of being Islamic. Such a public rebuke should set an example for other Muslim leaders.
Mining character for cluesWe study people's pasts – especially the pasts of people who rise to prominence – hoping to understand how they will act in the future. But humans can always surprise us.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveWhy I love the Bible
A Christian Science perspective: The spiritual lessons gleaned from the Bible bless us today.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveThanks for National Bible Week
A Christian Science perspective: Looking for instances of gratitude, thanksgiving, healing, and spiritual victory in the Bible compels us to discover the higher, spiritual meaning of the Scriptures.
The Monitor's ViewWhy rage lingers after Ferguson jury decisionProtests over a grand jury clearing a white policeman in the shooting of an unarmed black man in Ferguson, Mo., may reflect a nationwide mood that the 'system is stacked against me.' President Obama can address this popular alienation, as he has in the past.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveGratitude for the good already received
A Christian Science perspective: Being grateful for good brings infinite blessings.
The Monitor's ViewIn Iran-West nuclear talks, a new deadline is a lifelineBy not walking away from their talks after the Nov. 24 deadline, Iran and the US-led big powers indicate progress has been made amid a rising level of trust. That trust must be further built up to persuade each side's hardline critics that a deal is viable.
