All Commentary
- OpinionWith Rouhani as president, time for US to try new approach on Iran
America's usual tack on Iran's nuclear program hasn't worked. The US should test the intentions of Iran's new President Hasan Rouhani, who visits the UN today, by trying a new approach: capitalizing on areas where US and Iranian interests align, such as Afghanistan, or even Iraq.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveMeeting the demands of leadership today
A Christian Science perspective: What women bring to the family, community, corporate board room, and to government at all levels.
- The Monitor's ViewDrop in child labor points to progress for all children
A stunning drop in child labor worldwide is one of several reports of progress that suggest a global shift in how children are viewed.
- Video chat with 'Israel loves Iran' founder: Can Facebook meme end nuclear standoff?
Ronny Edry's Facebook page, 'Israel loves Iran,' has become a social media sensation. In a Google+hangout interview, he explains how his page 'is changing minds.' Who knows? Maybe Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu will 'like' it.
- Video chat with 'Israel loves Iran' founder: Can Facebook meme end nuclear standoff?
Ronny Edry's Facebook page, 'Israel loves Iran,' has become a social media sensation. In a Google+hangout interview, he explains how his page 'is changing minds.' Who knows? Maybe Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu will 'like' it.
- OpinionLiberia, a remarkable African success story, still needs help
On the doorstep of extremist-led instability in West Africa, Liberia may be the most remarkable post-conflict success story of the modern era. But a paradox threatens to unravel the country's hard-won gains: Despite progress, central drivers of violence remain.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveHeavenly calm during the storms in Mexico
A Christian Science perspective.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Precision needed on climate change numbers; Interpreting the Quran
Letters to the Editor for the September 23, 2013 weekly print magazine:
Only about 3 percent of the Antarctic temperature rise occurred during the time of humans burning fossil fuels. Climate change is a complex subject. The 'facts' about it must be stated precisely.
Does interpreting the Quran according to the spirit of our time mean that truth has no universal quality, but instead a temporary one?
- The Monitor's ViewIs nuclear power really the core of Iran's identity?
Iran's new president, Hasan Rouhani, woos the US with a plea to acknowledge Iran's alleged core identity in its nuclear program. President Obama can point to Iran's conflicting identities as the country's source of weakness.
- A new way to read the Monitor Weekly
Our new app is designed to give you smooth, dynamic, timely access to the Monitor Weekly. If you subscribe, please give it a try. If you don't yet subscribe, this is another reason to do so.
- Cyber war: Different look, same aim
Like it or not, militaries around the world are building cyber weapons. Hyped or not, concerns about the security of vital computer systems are driving this push.
- Is this the era of the 'quiet leader?'
Bold and loud makes the history books. Quiet usually doesn't. But you know what quiet leaders have accomplished by looking at the people they lead.
- OpinionAs UN meets, apply pressure against blasphemy laws
Blasphemy and other religious-defamation laws in Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and even Russia put people behind bars and on death row. As the UN General Assembly begins, these countries must be put under intense pressure to conform to global human rights standards.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveWorld Alzheimer's Month: a journey of caring
A Christian Science perspective: Truth that can help all caregivers and patients.
- The Monitor's ViewEnding the hypersexualization of girls
France's move to ban beauty pageants for underage girls won't stop a trend toward Miley Cyrus-style sexual exhibitionism. Girls need to learn values that reinforce their worth beyond beauty and sex.
- OpinionTo prevent a 'Washington Navy Yard' mass shooting, require gun permits
The NRA is right. Many mass shooters have mental problems such as those that apparently drove Aaron Alexis to start shooting at the Washington Navy Yard. But the US cannot lock up every person who struggles with such problems. It is more useful to license gun holders.
- OpinionUS, Britain must rethink nuclear strategy
Some fear that the debate in Britain over whether to renew its nuclear submarine fleet could further strain the special US-UK relationship. Instead, it provides an opportunity for Americans and Britons to take a fresh, pragmatic look at nuclear strategy in the 21st century.
- OpinionConventional – not chemical – weapons are the real problem in Syria
Sen. John McCain has slammed Russia's President Putin. But all sides are guilty in perpetuating the conflict in Syria. Chemical weapons are repugnant, but the more urgent need is to tamp down on the flow of conventional weapons from all sides, which is fueling Syria's civil war.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveTragic shooting at the Washington Navy Yard, and citizen preparedness
A Christian Science perspective: In light of the shooting that took place Tuesday at the Washington Navy Yard, how can people be prepared for the unexpected?
- The Monitor's ViewBest answer yet to Navy Yard shooting: Starbucks' declaration
A day after the Navy Yard shooting, Starbucks stands up for customers to be free of guns in stores. Such declarations to protect the innocent can help change the gun-safety debate.