All Commentary
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Unfair comparison for diverse US students; US media need global view
Letters to the Editor for the September 30, 2013 weekly print issue:
You cannot compare small, relatively homogenous student populations in other countries to our very diverse, multicultured US student population.
Too many American media take a narrow US-centered perspective. Americans need and deserve deeper journalism and a broader, global view.
OpinionArne Duncan: Why I am optimistic about education in AmericaDuring the past 4-1/2 years, and on my recent bus tour of the Southwest, I saw great principals and teachers; courageous leaders from the business, faith, and nonprofit sectors; engaged parents; and communities pulling together to serve students. Education is a shared responsibility.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveStop the turbulence
A Christian Science perspective: It's amazing what prayer can do.
The Monitor's ViewA global campaign to hit terrorists – in their messageIn a contest for values, Turkey and the US are leading a $200 million effort to prevent the radicalization of young Muslims. It can build on successes in the deradicalizing of captured terrorists.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveOvercoming grief
A Christian Science perspective.
OpinionUS signature on Arms Trade Treaty will help end wars and protect civiliansOn Sept. 25, US Secretary of State John Kerry signed the Arms Trade Treaty, which has the potential to make a real difference in reducing the deadly consequences of the irresponsible global arms trade and protect innocent civilians. It deserves the world's full support.
The Monitor's ViewAs college-prep test scores falter, how the US can respondDespite President Obama's challenge in 2009 for students to go into higher ed, test scores for the SAT and Act are not showing progress. The problem may be one of low expectations, despite the new Common Core standards and changes in state-level testing.
3 views on NSA reform In this One Minute Debate, three writers offer their views on NSA surveillance and reforms.- 3 views on NSA reform In this One Minute Debate, three writers offer their views on NSA surveillance and reforms.
The only US policy on Iran that will work: common groundA successful US policy on Iran will have to thread the needle between two camps – those who believe the US must do more to convince Iran it is wiling to compromise and those pushing for unrelenting pressure on Iran, even the threat of military strikes.
- The only US policy on Iran that will work: common ground
A successful US policy on Iran will have to thread the needle between two camps – those who believe the US must do more to convince Iran it is wiling to compromise and those pushing for unrelenting pressure on Iran, even the threat of military strikes.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveA new view of gender equality
A Christian Science perspective: how our prayers can help end the practice of female circumcision and uphold rights for all.
The Monitor's ViewAs more states back casinos, inequality risesA new study on gambling points to the expansion of casinos as a contributor to social and income inequality. They also perpetuate the notion of chance as a guiding force in life.
Four reasons why Obama's critics on Syria have it wrong Critics who say Obama lost foreign-policy ground to Russia, Assad, and Putin on the Syria crisis have it just plain wrong. Here are four reasons why the critics are mistaken.
OpinionStand up to the biggest bully in the room: mental illnessTeen suicide and school shootings are blamed on bullying. Mental illness is the far more likely culprit. We need to expand mental-health services in schools and in society, not hamstring our educators with complicated and draconian 'bullying' laws.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveA message of hope in the aftermath of terror in Nairobi
A Christian Science perspective: A Kenyan tells how he is finding peace after the terrorist attacks in the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi.
The Monitor's ViewChurch bombing in Pakistan: Why it still ricochetsThe public reaction to a terrorist attack on Christians in Pakistan reflects a similar pushback by moderate Muslims in Egypt and Tunisia. Civic values such as religious tolerance are at stake in this latest struggle for Islam.
Global ViewpointObama must seize diplomatic opening with Iran to help end Syria crisisDiplomacy is alive again at the United Nations this week. And it's deeply needed. President Obama should make clear to Iran’s President Hasan Rouhani that Iran would be welcome to participate in a conference to discuss an end to the civil war in Syria.
- Global ViewpointObama must seize diplomatic opening with Iran to help end Syria crisis
Diplomacy is alive again at the United Nations this week. And it's deeply needed. President Obama should make clear to Iran’s President Hasan Rouhani that Iran would be welcome to participate in a conference to discuss an end to the civil war in Syria.
OpinionHow President Rouhani and Ayatollah Khamenei could reform IranIranians and Westerners see hope in President Rouhani's UN visit today. But even with the backing of the supreme leader, reforming Iran's economy will be a difficult task for Rouhani, especially as he must challenge the power of the Revolutionary Guard and intelligence services.
