All Commentary
- A Christian Science PerspectiveA welcome retreat
A Christian Science perspective: Recharge and rejuvenate today.
- The Monitor's ViewJapan's election rings beyond its shores
Sunday's election results in Japan give Prime Minister Shinzo Abe a big political boost to push more economic reforms that may help Japan become an engine for global growth. The world needs a healthier Japan.
- OpinionFinding peace for Israelis and Palestinians among people – not policies
John Kerry or the Arab League may prod a peace deal into place, but nothing can last unless ordinary people living under the policy see that every Israeli is not a settler and every Palestinian does not begrudge Israel a right to exist. I've seen the groundwork of that dialogue at work.
- A Christian Science Perspective'The importance of light when we see darkness'
A Christian Science perspective: Finding God's care in the face of violence.
- The Monitor's ViewA dubious drive to legalize online gambling
A Senate hearing focused on regulating Internet gambling – even though it remains banned interstate by Congress. Such backdoor maneuvers toward legalization only reveal the commercial interests pushing this wrongheaded move.
- OpinionProgress in caring for survivors of military sexual assault
Military sexual trauma is too often exacerbated by poor care in the aftermath. While the Defense Department struggles to improve prevention and prosecution, the VA is has made strides to ensure veterans receive respect and treatment. But more work needs to be done.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveViolence is not inevitable
A Christian Science perspective: May the protests in response to the outcome of George Zimmerman’s trial be peaceful ones.
- The Monitor's ViewWhy Holder's probe of 'stand your ground' laws stands out
US Attorney General Eric Holder said after the George Zimmerman verdict that Justice will take a 'hard look' at the many 'stand your ground' state laws, such as Florida's. Such laws need challenging as they reverse history's path away from killing.
- OpinionTo combat hunger, give land rights to world's poor women
A lack of land rights for the poor fuels global hunger. With no ownership, land is poorly cultivated, and families subsist as day laborers or indentured servants. Giving land to the poor, especially women, allows them to grow food for their families and sell crops to pay for education.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveThe best and the brightest
A Christian Science perspective.
- The Monitor's ViewWhat Senate filibuster deal tells young democracies like Egypt's
The Senate filibuster deal avoids the severe political backlash of the 'nuclear option' – for now. It recognizes the filibuster's historic role in protecting minority interests, a lesson for newly democratic countries like Egypt.
- OpinionUS must not miss new opportunity to engage with Iran
For 30 years, the US and Iran have squandered engagement opportunities. President Obama – especially as US officials meet with allies in Brussels today to discuss next steps in nuclear negotiations with Tehran – should avoid a redux with Iran’s President-elect Hassan Rouhani.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveSwimming lessons on grace
A Christian Science perspective: Resting in grace is the needed complement to mental discipline.
- The Monitor's ViewIn Sanford and Cairo, a call to worship – and post-conflict peace
Egypt's Muslims began the holy month of Ramadan with some calling for national unity. In Sanford, Fla., pastors sought to heal a divided community after the George Zimmerman not-guilty verdict.
- OpinionUS can't afford to cede green energy industry to its competitors
America used to be the leader in clean energy, but it has been surpassed by China and others. The US can't afford to lose the jobs and economic benefits of green energy. Like its competitors, America needs standards that mandate percentages of green energy by key deadlines.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveTaming anger
A Christian Science perspective: From the Bible to Katharine Graham to a former air-traffic controller, some anger-preventing tips.
- The Monitor's ViewAs US eyes retreat in Afghanistan, it must listen to Malala
The young Pakistani girl is a model for the global struggle against the anti-women Taliban. With Obama weighing troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, Malala's speech to the UN today gives reasons to finish the job.
- OpinionFor Obama, Bush, Reagan, no vacation from politics
President Obama doesn’t have his own ranch or summer compound as a vacation retreat, so he stays in rental properties, which seem high-end. Obama has also spent much less time on vacation than his predecessor. In truth, presidents don't get a real break from their job – or from politics.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveWater safety and divine protection
A Christian Science perspective.
- The Monitor's ViewAfter two political revolutions, Egypt needs a cultural revolution
Egypt's political identity won't be resolved by politics or protests alone. An upwelling of culture since 2011 could help resolve the nation's many identity conflicts.