All Commentary
The Monitor's ViewStepping up the innovation ladderProtests in Taiwan against a trade pact with China illustrate the difficulties that countries can have in staying innovative enough to compete with low-wage nations. Innovation often requires a culture shift.
OpinionRwanda 20 years later: A model for progress and reconciliationThe progress Rwanda has achieved since its genocide may be the most significant example of human development of the past 20 years. Its governance should not be the subject of criticism, but should stand as a model for other nations seeking reconciliation.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveFreedom from post-traumatic stress disorder
A Christian Science perspective.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Where are the American prodigies?
Letters to the Editor for the April 7, 2014 weekly magazine:
If it weren't for immigrants America would be in sad shape. Too many 'natives' are more interested in texting, celebrities, sports heroes, fighting over abortion and contraceptive rights, and denying global warming and evolution than promoting and improving education.
Many US colleges are funded by American taxpayers, and their first responsibility is to educate, inspire, and create opportunity for American youth. Should we be focusing on finding foreign talent, rather than recruiting and developing the talent of our own youth?
The Monitor's ViewIndia election: a pivot to Hindu nationalism?The India election that begins this week could catapult a Hindu nationalist, Narendra Modi, to power. How he defines the national interest will determine India's place in the world as a peaceful player.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveElections in Afghanistan: a prayer for peace and wisdom
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWhat to celebrate in Rwanda's genocide anniversaryThe 20th anniversary of the Rwanda genocide should focus as much on how the African nation worked toward reconciliation through forgiveness as on the mass slaughter itself.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveBeauty's reach
A Christian Science perspective: Reflections on actress Lupita Nyong'o's ("12 Years a Slave") inspiring, insightful speech on authentic beauty.
OpinionDebate over standardized testing is focusing on the wrong questionsThe education debate should not be over whether students spend too must time testing, but on which tests are actually useful to teachers and improving instruction. Then we need to make district, state, and federal policy decisions based on this information.
The Monitor's ViewWhy a Supreme Court ruling may help curb corruptionA Supreme Court ruling that further lifts curbs on money in politics is a reminder of why global efforts against corruption must be grass roots.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveDon't forget your keys
A Christian Science perspective. Remembering ideas such as God’s ever-present goodness, and taking them with you each day, is even more important than remembering your keys.
Better together? A new generation trySharing a dwelling has never been easy. But the idea has always been appealing. Now a combination of economics, technology, and new attitudes about owning is spurring the co-housing movement.
The news bubble around Vladimir PutinWhat we tell others can end up convincing us as well. The Russian leader has created a modern, Russia-centric news machine that puts forth his view of the world. Is he deceiving himself?
The Monitor's ViewThe US-Russia 'great game' over UkraineThe US-Russia talks over Ukraine's future left out the Ukrainian people, treating them like pawns on a chessboard. In the age of democracy and the Internet, big powers cannot go over the heads of individuals and their aspirations.
OpinionWhy I'm not afraid of Virginia Woolf – or the 'crisis' in the humanitiesA changing economy is precisely why we need young people educated in the humanities. These disciplines teach us to question – and better – the world around us. The crisis is not with the humanities. The crisis is with the failure to value them enough.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveReversing addictions: Is it possible?
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewAfghanistan election: a feat to beholdDespite Taliban threats against voters, Afghans are eager to cast ballots in Saturday's pivotal presidential election. The world must support their desire to consolidate their triumphs since 2001.
OpinionBeyond burqa bans: US must update laws on face veilsIt's time for the US to get its thoughts – and laws – in order regarding the niqab and burqa. The US can set a standard for how conservative Muslim dress can be integrated into a free, largely non-Muslim society while protecting both civil liberties and public safety.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveA new view of others
A Christian Science perspective: An encounter with a man who was homeless prompted this writer to gain new insight into loving all humanity.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: America spent while its military fought; Obama shouldn't take sides in Syria's religious war
Letters to the Editor for the March 31, 2014 weekly magazine:
Budget deficits now threaten benefits for veterans. Nobody likes to pay higher taxes, but America has a responsibility to those it sends to war.
Syria's civil war is fundamentally a conflict between Sunni Muslims and Alawites, Christians, and Druze. By supporting the rebels, Mr. Obama has taken sides in a religious war.
