All Commentary
- A Christian Science PerspectiveSpiritual simplicity for the holidays
A Christian Science perspective: Some thoughts on preparing your home and your heart for this festive season.
The Monitor's ViewTesting a US 'empathy deficit' in SyriaSo far, the American humanitarian response for Syria has been its best success during the crisis. But with the UN making a record appeal for aid as refugee flows escalate, US empathy will be tested again.
OpinionUS educators: Engage China, but defend freedomWhile some US universities with Chinese partnerships have spoken out in the wake of ill-treatment of Chinese academics, too many have been silent. Foreign universities underestimate their leverage in supporting academic freedom in China even as they hurt their own reputations.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveNelson Mandela and a greater freedom
A Christian Science perspective: A resident of South Africa reflects on Nelson Mandela's leadership and his legacy of freedom.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Democrats didn't lose to personality; US hypocrisy on Israel
Letters to the Editor for the December 16, 2013 weekly magazine:
Citizens need to know how the candidates and the issues affect their state before they cast their votes. And the Democratic Party needs to be honest about why candidates win or lose.
Calls for US support of religious freedom will be sanctimonious hypocrisy as long as we fail to insist on real democracy and a fully secular resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Monitor's ViewCountry of the Year? Try Mexico.Last week's approval of reforms for the pivotal oil company Pemex caps a year of major reforms that could transform Mexico – and perhaps change the immigration debate in the US.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveNewtown a year later: We choose love
A Christian Science perspective: Citizens of Newtown and the surrounding community have shown that caring and decency trump the most heinous evil.
The Monitor's ViewSaving Islam from suicide bombsSaudi Arabia's leading Muslim cleric came out forcefully against suicide bombings. The Middle East, now roiling with such attacks, needs more Islamic scholars speaking out.
OpinionSuccess of Iran nuclear deal – and Rouhani – depends on Iran's working classTo achieve a long-term deal with the P5+1, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani must also win the battle against his critics at home. His real challenge is to convince the poor that they stand to gain from a rapprochement with the West. If life gets more difficult for them, this will be a hard sell.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveThree tips to prepare for the holidays
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWhat the Ryan-Murray budget deal really meansThe Ryan-Murray budget deal reflects an approach that some states are trying with new political structures that force leaders to compromise, not on principles but on ideology.
OpinionA vital link for US interests and allies – Azerbaijan – needs more supportThe US must take a stronger role in addressing three key challenges in Azerbaijan: energy development, with support for a new natural gas pipeline to Europe; democratic reforms, especially those that ensure free speech; and peace with Armenia over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveCompassion renewed
A Christian Science perspective. An antidote for compassion fatigue: the Bible's assurance of God's unstinting care at all times.
The Monitor's ViewA Christmas gift from the next generationThe Great Recession helped reverse a decades-long rise in materialism among many young people. Despite a tough financial future, they are also more concerned about others. This shift is a gift for those seeking less spending at Christmas.
OpinionDespite setbacks, UN ushered in 65 years of progress on human rightsThe UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted 65 years ago paved the way for decades of progress. The picture of human rights today is hardly as encouraging. But changing norms takes time and doesn't follow a linear path. From this view, 2013 brought some notable advances.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveKeeping family gatherings love-centered
A Christian Science perspective: How genuine affection replaces hard feelings and restores harmony.
Surfacing problems to solve themIs it better to bring sunlight to a disturbing issue to draw attention to it? Or is there a risk of fear-mongering -- or even enabling copy-cats? Nowhere is that tension more pronounced than with news of a teen suicide.
The Monitor's ViewThe Ukraine protests for integrityThe protests in Ukraine that erupted after the president rejected possible EU membership are now aimed at high-level corruption. More countries are seeing protests demanding integrity from elected leaders.
3 views on the Iran nuclear deal The six-month interim deal the P5+1 world powers reached with Iran offers some sanctions relief in exchange for a roll-back of Iran’s nuclear program. In this One Minute Debate, three writers give their take on the historic agreement.
OpinionDoes art make kids smart?We spent many a Sunday with the kids at the Cleveland Museum of Art. At first all they wanted to do was slide down the marble banisters. Then, thanks to a stroke of genius and a dollar bill, five art critics – and lovers – were born.
