All Commentary
The Monitor's ViewBridges for Asia's island disputesAs China asserts stronger claims over its coastal seas, the US and others need to be more proactive in engaging Beijing. A joint research trip in the South China Sea hints at one way.
- A Christian Science Perspective'Pennies from heaven'
A Christian Science perspective: We can start looking for the good instead of expecting the darkness to continue.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: What about Israel's role in Mideast Christian exodus?; Praise for truth-telling on Islam's role in Mideast
Letters to the Editor for the January 27, 2014 weekly magazine edition of the Monitor: If looking at the removal of Christians from the Middle East, one shouldn't ignore the plight of Palestinian Christians under the Israeli occupation; Too many reporters and government representatives do not have the fortitude to tell the truth about Islam in the Middle East.
The presidency: A job shapes a jobholderIn the sixth year of his presidency, Barack Obama's 'hope and change' slogan is a fading memory. His best option now may be to keep calm and carry on.
The Monitor's ViewUkraine protests: a test for the idea of progress as inevitableAs protests escalate in Ukraine, they must be seen as a plea to save the West's idea of civic rights as irreversible when once obtained. The West cannot let the regime's violence against peaceful demonstrators go unpunished.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveRedemption and freedom from the past
A Christian Science perspective: Our identity is not a compilation of past experiences.
The Monitor's ViewHow to piece Syria back togetherIf direct talks between the Syrian regime and a main opposition group proceed, the goal should be to create a transitional power with legitimacy to hold elections. For now, a vacuum of legitimacy requires foreign pressure for an agreement.
Restoring America's productive humThe new chair of the Federal Reserve knows that Job 1 is jobs. Being out of work is individually and collectively debilitating. Gainful employment is good for everybody.
Planet polar: The lure of Earth's endsEarth's two poles are remote and dangerous. But they have what no nearby planet has: water, air, and abundant natural and biological resources. That makes these frigid regions hot.
How grass-roots peace can take hold in South SudanBringing peace to conflict-torn South Sudan will require more than negotiated cease-fires and UN aid. Key community leaders – especially women activists and church pastors – must work for local unity.
- How grass-roots peace can take hold in South Sudan
Bringing peace to conflict-torn South Sudan will require more than negotiated cease-fires and UN aid. Key community leaders – especially women activists and church pastors – must work for local unity.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveLessons from a yard sale
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewObama's 'forward' push on pot legalizationPresident Obama's reasons for allowing states to try marijuana legalization are not fitting for a law enforcer and a parent who knows pot's harmful effects.
OpinionOn Roe v. Wade anniversary: The past – and future – of US abortion politicsThe front lines of the abortion battle have shifted from the sidewalks in front of abortion clinics to state legislatures and the nation’s courts. The increasing professionalization of the antiabortion movement makes it clear that we are approaching a crossroads in the politics of abortion.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveNo 'street rats'
A Christian Science perspective: How one woman responds to people on the street who are asking for money.
OpinionHow to put US voters back in charge of their democracyThe Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United unleashed an era of unprecedented pay-to-play politics. Thankfully, steps can be taken to curb the outsize influence of big donors and super PACs and restore voters' trust in their political institutions.
The Monitor's ViewBorn to rule? The pitfalls of political dynastiesWhen Barbara Bush complains about dominant political families, she should know. The world must move beyond rule by bloodlines and a belief in inherited traits.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveTurkey tracks and seeking God
A Christian Science perspective: God is actually with us, and we are worthy of seeing and feeling His presence now and always.
The Monitor's ViewWhat's at stake in the key NSA reformObama kicked the biggest NSA reform question to Congress: Who should store private data collected by the spy agency? Lawmakers must test how much Americans now want to give up individual sovereignty for security.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: My Obamacare story; The case for paper books over e-books
Letters to the Editor for the January 20, 2014 weekly magazine edition of the Monitor:
As retirees over 60, the closest Affordable Care Act policy to our old one costs 24 percent more and includes coverage we don't need. But the cost of our old policy has increased by 34 percent.
The ever-identical screens of my Kindle become mind-numbing, whereas the imperfections of my paper books serve as guideposts for locating key passages of text.
Finally, some research to explain why I never finish my e-books, but breeze through paper copies.
