All Commentary
OpinionIran nuclear talks: Look to cooperation of US-Iran scientistsAs talks about Iran’s nuclear program began today in Kazakhstan, it's worth noting the success of ongoing, respectful collaboration between American and Iranian scientists and public-health experts. Such exchanges can cut through the deepest political and media rhetoric.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveYour health: perfect and intact?
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewIs Oscar Pistorius really Africa's 'biggest' story?Last week, when the West and UN were intervening in a host of problems in Africa, much of the world focused on Oscar Pistorius, the Olympic hero charged with murdering his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp. Africa needs a better media spotlight.
OpinionFallout from Olympic wrestling takedown – a mother's protestThere's been a furor over the decision not to guarantee wrestling a spot in the 2020 Olympics. Rightly so. I know first-hand what the sport does for young men (including my three sons) and an increasing number of young women. Fortunately, the decision is not final. It's time to speak out.
OpinionBeyond 'Zero Dark Thirty' Oscars fail: Torture is an ineffective interrogation approachAcademy-Award nominated film 'Zero Dark Thirty' has more issues than its disappointing Oscar showing. Based on my interviews with military interrogators, the movie's portrayal of torture as effective – even vital to getting Osama bin Laden – couldn't be further from the truth.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveReflected light
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's View'Sequester' standoff need not be win-loseAmericans, not just politicians, are torn by so many choices in the budget standoff, now called the 'sequester.' One way for President Obama and Congress to avoid the consequences of sequestration is to adopt the concept of 'settling,' as put forth by one political theorist.
Opinion'Lincoln,' Texas, and the Oscars: Why getting history right mattersMost filmgoers will see the 'Lincoln' film, nominated for 12 Academy Awards, as biographical. Public opinion is shaped by portrayals like this, so its factual errors can't be discounted. I’ve seen first-hand the problems with a popular historical narrative that doesn’t get the story right.
Opinion'Zero Dark Thirty' has the facts wrong – and that's a problem, not just for the OscarsThe movie 'Zero Dark Thirty' is a gripping drama and credible contender in this year’s Oscar competition – nominated for five Academy Awards. But because it advertises itself as factually grounded, I have to point out: On each of its three major points, the film gets the story wrong.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveGratitude key to health care on Himalayan trek
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewCharitable tax deduction: What price for love?In weighing tax reform, Congress has its eye on the charitable tax deduction – as a 'loophole.' It needs to first look at the changing ways that Americans give and then act to safeguard charity in all its forms.
OpinionStricter gun laws alone won't stop America's urban violenceGetting guns off the streets or out of the hands of criminals won’t by itself address the problem of gun violence in poor urban communities. America needs to address the underlying circumstances that lead people like my inmate students to gun violence in the first place.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveLove's role in resolving conflict
A Christian Science perspective: When even the best words aren't enough.
The Monitor's ViewIn Timbuktu, Al Qaeda showed 'seeds of its decay'A secret letter written by Al Qaeda's leader in north Africa during his 10-month rule of Timbuktu reveals the internal contradictions of jihadists that will end their appeal.
OpinionHow President Obama can forge a nuclear deal with IranAhead of crucial 'P5+1' talks on Iran's nuclear program in Kazakhstan Feb. 26, President Obama needs to show willingness to meet Iranian concessions with some of his own. But Congress is in no mood to ease sanctions. Obama, however, can go around Congress.
OpinionUS leadership needed to prevent nuclear testing by North KoreaNorth Korea’s nuclear weapons test explosion underscores the need for stronger US leadership to prevent the testing, spread, and use of the world’s most dangerous weapons. US ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty would set a clear international standard.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveEnergized now!
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWanted: global rules on cyberwarfareA report on cyberattacks and computer hacking originating with China's military highlights the need for international norms in cyberwarfare. Other new types of weapons led to new rules of war. Why not in cyberspace, too?
5 factors for peace in Afghanistan Given that Afghanistan has been in a state of war for nearly 35 years, only a broad-based reconciliation can resolve the fighting. Peace talks are a vital part of that process. Here are five factors necessary to achieving a sustainable peace in Afghanistan.
OpinionA civics lesson for 20-somethingsMany young people drop out of civic life because we set them up to fail. In the Obama era, we talk about social change in such grandiose terms that anything after is bound to feel insignificant in comparison. I've learned that civic engagement, above all else, requires resilience.
