All Commentary
The Monitor's ViewObama helps nip pot legalization in Latin America. How about in US?President Obama helped prevent a move toward pot legalization by some Latin American leaders. But will he be as bold against Colorado, Washington state?
Global ViewpointPresident Obama must understand the nationalism of China's President XiChina's President Xi Jinping is both a nationalist and a reformer. President Obama must understand the motivations for Mr. Xi’s nationalism, so that as the two leaders meet at a summit in California today, the US-China relationship will benefit. And the world will applaud.
- Global ViewpointPresident Obama must understand the nationalism of China's President Xi
China's President Xi Jinping is both a nationalist and a reformer. President Obama must understand the motivations for Mr. Xi’s nationalism, so that as the two leaders meet at a summit in California today, the US-China relationship will benefit. And the world will applaud.
OpinionAt US-China summit, trust is the issuePresident Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping face a full agenda, from cybertheft to North Korea, when they meet at a desert estate in California today and tomorrow. But the fundamental issue is lack of trust, which needs building over a vast array of issues.
- A Christian Science Perspective'If you're happy and you know it ...'
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewSpying on DNA, Verizon, and free willNew technologies extend the reach of surveillance tools to not only DNA and Verizon calls but also emotions and brain waves. Will this lead to a denial of individuals having moral agency and autonomy of thought?
- 4 ways Obama should work with US business to combat China’s cyberspying If the US wishes to stop this Chinese economic cyber-espionage, a true public-private partnership is needed. Here are four ways President Obama should work with US business to combat Chinese cyberspying.
OpinionWhy US must give military aid to Syria's rebelsThe war in Syria is at a turning point. Backed by Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah militants, Bashar al-Assad has the upper hand. Ending the war requires backing him into a corner from which peace talks provide his only safe escape. US military aid for the rebels can help do that.
OpinionFlexibility in US food aid to Syria should be the rule – not the exceptionIn Syria, the US has been able to deliver food aid using a flexible approach to needs on the ground. Yet such flexibility is the exception in US aid. President Obama's proposed reforms would allow for more efficient practices, such as using local food supplies.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveWhere success comes from
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWhy this China-US summit must succeedThe June 7-8 summit between Barack Obama and Xi Jinping could help define a grand narrative of cooperation that belies predictions of inevitable China-US conflict.
Five guidelines for US role in Syria The civil war in Syria has reached a stalemate. While strategic military steps like arming the opposition or establishing a no-fly zone present complications, the US can do other things to bring aid, support the opposition, undermine the Assad regime, and counter a rising Islamist influence. Here are five guidelines for the US in addressing the conflict in Syria:- A Christian Science PerspectiveA call to prayer in Turkey
A Christian Science perspective: A resident of Ankara, Turkey, responds in prayer to the protests and upheaval in Istanbul and other parts of Turkey.
The Monitor's ViewSex assault in the military: Victims need trust, careAs Congress and the Pentagon rush reforms to curb sex assaults in the military, they must focus foremost on raising trust in military justice and in the care of victims. Only than will reporting rates rise.
OpinionLook to Millennial generation to balance US security needs and privacy rightsIn an age of terrorism, the Millennial generation may well find that elusive balance between security and privacy. They reflect the safety concerns of their GI grandparents, the respect for civil liberties of their baby boomer parents, and mix in their own ethic of fairness and tolerance.
- A Christian Science Perspective'Sober second thought'
A Christian Science perspective: Decisionmaking made simple through divine help.
The Monitor's ViewIn Turkey, peaceful protests in a declining democracyPeaceful protests in Turkey against the increasingly authoritarian rule of Erdogan's Islamic-based party are a needed corrective, not a revolution. They show a fearless, tweet-oiled, even leaderless uprising to save democracy.
Are MOOCs making education a monoculture?The rise of Massive Open Online Courses is presenting higher education with a powerful challenge. Access to great teachers will help millions. But will MOOCs cause a massive college shakeout as well?
OpinionProtests in Turkey must not overshadow progress with Kurd militantsJust when Turkey should receive accolades for a peace agreement with separatist Kurd militants, the government has become the target of a public backlash for its heavy-handed response to protesters. The peace deal is good for Turkey, and gives it leverage with Iran, Syria, and Iraq.
Global ViewpointEurope must fix its leaning Tower of BabelThose who want to preserve Europe's unity should not dismiss nationalist sentiments or frustration over austerity policies. Europe must forge a common identity that leaves room for diversity while delivering opportunity and security through a strong but limited European government.
