All Commentary
The Monitor's ViewIs the Yosemite fire a good fire?As California's Rim Fire bears down on Yosemite National Park and threatens power and water for San Francisco, the state must once again reassess the values that humans place on nature.
Five reasons the Arab Spring has not failed Given the fissures in Middle Eastern society, it is tempting to think that democracy is bound to fail there. Pessimists argue that the Arab Spring countries will revert to rule by “strongmen.” The Arab Spring may appear to have failed, but in five key respects the Arab world has changed irrevocably.
OpinionIn juvenile justice, kids need protection from false confessionsA third of false confessions come from youths under 18. Youths are more easily intimidated and less adept at understanding the ramifications of their statements than adults. They should not be treated as adults in the criminal justice system.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveThe timeless power of 'I Have a Dream'
A Christian Science perspective: 'Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.' - Martin Luther King Jr.
MLK's dream is the American dreamFifty years ago, black Americans -- and many whites as well -- descended on Washington, D.C., to insist on one simple thing: that the United States keep its word that "all men are created equal." Fifty years later, progress on equal rights has been realized in some ways, but it remains a dream in others.
The Monitor's ViewSyria jumps the red lineThe almost certain use of chemical weapons by Syria makes stronger international action nearly unavoidable.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveA different way to 'stand your ground'
A Christian Science perspective: We don’t need to wait for the ‘stand your ground’ debate to reach its conclusion in order to choose the ground we will stand on today.
OpinionJohnny Depp's Tonto aside, sidekicks deserve praiseJohnny Depp’s exaggerated performance as sidekick Tonto in the 'The Lone Ranger' serves as a useful reminder that being a good No. 2 is harder than it looks, and that humble second bananas often perform a useful role in entertainment, literature, and politics.
The Monitor's ViewWould you like unlimited days off?Some employers offer unlimited vacation days to workers. But is it really a perk?
Did the Arab Spring fail? Three views from Monitor readers In light of an op-ed by Ayaan Hirsi Ali ('Why the Arab Spring hasn't failed in Egypt and Middle East), we asked our readers on Facebook: “Do you think the Arab Spring has failed?” See some of their most thoughtful responses here.- A Christian Science Perspective'Tuff love' triumphs, Georgia school tragedy averted
A Christian Science perspective. Antoinette Tuff, a school clerk in Decatur, Georgia, credits prayer in averting a gunman's attack at her school.
OpinionViews of Palestinians give reason for hope in Mideast peace talksSkeptics see Palestinians as committed to violent resistance and unwilling to recognize the state of Israel. In fact, more than 20 years of polling data strongly refute these perceptions, and give leaders in Ramallah substantial room to maneuver in the ongoing peace talks.
The Monitor's ViewInternet privacy should trump growthFacebook’s Internet.org wants to aggressively spread Internet connectivity to the developing world. But that shouldn't be its top priority.
OpinionAfter reported gas attack in Syria, US must weigh intervention in light of historyBashar al-Assad's alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria today will likely raise the volume of calls for American intervention – but also the stakes of such a move. History suggests US intervention in Syria would be unpredictable at best, disastrous at worst.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveWomanhood in Afghanistan
A Christian Science perspective: A US Army colonel stationed in Afghanistan reflects on his time there.
The Monitor's ViewScience for everyoneAs ‘citizen science’ projects grow in popularity, science loses some of its mystery. That’s good.
Global ViewpointWhy the Arab Spring hasn't failed in Egypt and Middle EastWith Egypt back to 'temporary' martial law and turmoil riling the Middle East, the Arab Spring may appear to have failed. But the revolutionary story in the region is far from over. The Arab world has been changed irrevocably, and transitions – likely marked by conflict – will continue.
- Global ViewpointWhy the Arab Spring hasn't failed in Egypt and Middle East
With Egypt back to 'temporary' martial law and turmoil riling the Middle East, the Arab Spring may appear to have failed. But the revolutionary story in the region is far from over. The Arab world has been changed irrevocably, and transitions – likely marked by conflict – will continue.
OpinionWise up, Israelis. Prolonged civil war in Syria is bad news for you.Some Israelis have suggested that continuing conflict in Syria is good for Israel, as its enemies are occupied fighting each other. This view is morally reprehensible, but also shortsighted. Ending the bloodshed in Syria is in the best interests of all, including Israel.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveThe quest for peace and stability in Egypt
A Christian Science perspective: How a resident of Turkey is praying for Egypt.
