All Commentary
The Monitor's ViewThe real leaders at the Obama-African summitPresident Obama's summit with African leaders mainly focuses on business ties. Yet the continent's outsized youth population may really determine Africa's future.
Global NewsstandNigerian president hypocritical about missing girls; plane shot over Russia shows new Putin; Afghanistan still needs US; Civilian deaths in Gaza; America's isolationist policyThis week's round-up of commentary covers Malala Yousafzai's visit to Nigeria, how the plane shot down over Ukraine changed the way the world sees Vladimir Putin, suicide attacks show Afghanistan still needs the US, civilian deaths in Gaza, and America's move towards isolationist policy.
Readers RespondReaders Write: Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl paid his dues; Unpopular views are still protectedLetters to the Editor for August 4, 2014 weekly magazine:
Ore: Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl shouldn't be returned to active duty. He has paid his dues.
Frank: Freedom of speech protects all speech, not just the speech we agree with.
What it means to restore, and repairThe 21st century may be the moment humans leave the 'use it up and throw it away' mentality behind.
The Monitor's ViewHow calm can counter EbolaHealth officials say they must act as much to calm fears of Ebola as to contain the outbreak. Media-driven hysteria about Ebola doesn't help.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveWater over the dam? A peaceful solution
A Christian Science perspective: Providing needed energy while preserving our rivers' habitats – prayer brings the inspiration needed to clear the confusion and find resolution.
Readers RespondReaders Write: Nostalgia for the Postal Service; Oversexualization of society; Good parents can be madeLetters to the Editor for July 28, 2014 weekly magazine:
Willis: There is nothing like the feeling of receiving a hand written letter
Lozer: Santa Barbara shoots showed problems of society's oversexualiztion
Gibel: Good parenting skills can be taught
- A Christian Science PerspectiveA prayer for child migrants
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewDisarm Gaza? Why Israel's idea deserves a look.For this Israel-Gaza war, Hamas relied on better rockets and tunnels. Now Israel won't settle for a truce without a plan to disarm Gaza. Are there precedents for this idea to work?
- A Christian Science PerspectiveHealing the sins of conflict
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewIn anti-graft probe, China toys with rule of lawBy charging a former head of internal security, China's Communist Party suggests that no top leader is immune from the law. Will it now also accept that the party itself should be held accountable?
- A Christian Science PerspectiveNo scapegoats
A Christian Science perspective: When people in the news are accused of hateful acts, corruption, or deception, it's helpful to ask, "What would Jesus do?"
The Monitor's ViewAs persecution of faithful rises, so does the religious responseEven as reports show a global rise in restrictions on religion, those of faith are defending those of other faiths. This helps confirm why freedom of religion is a universal right.
Global NewsstandJerusalem feels Gazan conflict; Kerry in Afghan elections; impending US-China standoff; taxi apps in London; tougher German-US relationsThis week's round-up of commentary covers the effects of the Gaza conflict on Jerusalem, John Kerry's deft behind-the-scenes diplomacy during the Afghan elections, Asia's anticipation of rising conflict between US and China, a modern threat to London's historic cabs, and the foreboding future of German-American policy interaction.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveHappy, by chance?
A Christian Science perspective: True happiness is not vulnerable.
The Monitor's ViewClimate-smart farmers break new groundMore farmers seem more open to new practices, leading to to higher crop yields, or doing more with less. The limits in agriculture are fading as farmers show greater willingness for today's innovation.
Countering a digital jihadConflicts in the Middle East are drawing in young recruits from Europe and elsewhere. Needed now: An effort to channel that fervor in more constructive directions.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveEmbracing all affected by the loss of Flight 17
A Christian Science perspective: Divine Love comforts the families and all those involved in Malaysia Airlines Flight 17.
The Monitor's ViewTo end Hamas-Israel wars, deal with the mutual despairDespair during this third Hamas-Israel war is so high on both sides that despair itself needs to be addressed. Recognizing it as a shared problem helps not only as a point of empathy but can dispel the notion of despair as destiny.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveThe shield of divine Love
A Christian Science perspective: God’s power and love, understood, can deflect and even defeat anxiety, alarm, hate, and violence.
