All Commentary
OpinionCalifornia's balanced budget? Hold the applause.Although Gov. Jerry Brown has pronounced California's "did the impossible" with its balanced budget, the state is still in miserable condition. Like the federal government, it has to make some hard choices going forward. And voters need to make an extra effort to participate in state politics.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveComfort in the aftermath of terror
A Christian Science perspective: A resident of Ankara, Turkey, prays after the suicide bomber attack on the US embassy there last week.
The Monitor's ViewA comforting arm to curb Army suicidesA record in military suicides, despite many new prevention programs, points to a need to change military culture to help detect those in need and make it easier to get help.
OpinionFrance's disappointing labor reformsLabor reforms forged by France’s Socialist president, François Hollande, may look like progress. But they merely tinker with rigid labor laws. Europe's second largest economy must become far more business friendly if it wants to escape zero-percent economic growth and youth joblessness.
OpinionA better way to keep Islamists at bay in MaliFrance says it will withdraw from Mali once an African peacekeeping force is in place. To keep Islamists at bay, the US is considering increasing its military presence in the region. A better approach is to focus on fixing the governance issues that fuel radicalism to begin with.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveSparing the wildflowers
A Christian Science perspective: How letting love fill your heart and mind reveals loveliness all around.
The Monitor's ViewNeed for textbook examples of peace in Israeli-Palestinian conflictA major, US-funded analysis of textbooks used in Israeli and Palestinian schools finds few examples of each side demonizing the other. Rather, inaccurate maps and lack of information show a need to educate the next generation toward reconciliation.
OpinionCurbing gun violence after Newtown: Let's arm teachersCritics worry that arming teachers will create 'fortress' schools and invite gun accidents. But a well-thought-out program can avoid these pitfalls, and take advantage of teachers and staff who are eager to act as trained protectors for our children.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Not too late to change US priorities in Afghanistan; Gun control advocates use flawed logic
Letters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of February 4, 2013: US actions in Afghanistan have not matched our words; we must push for better governance and offer more development aid. And on gun control: Should the US also outlaw box cutters since they were instrumental in the murder of nearly 3,000 people on 9/11?
Global Viewpoint'Soft' nationalism is good for ChinaChinese-style soft nationalism takes pride in Confucian values and should be the way of the future. But can it spread from Nanjing to the rest of China? There are reasons to be optimistic.
- Global Viewpoint'Soft' nationalism is good for China
Chinese-style soft nationalism takes pride in Confucian values and should be the way of the future. But can it spread from Nanjing to the rest of China? There are reasons to be optimistic.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveRenewal is always possible, in life or at work
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWhy states shouldn't cash in on Super Bowl oddsA federal court case against a New Jersey law allowing sports gambling shows why betting on sports will only damage athletic competition – as well as bettors.
OpinionThis is my black historyPersonal stories are at the core of Black History Month. American's should honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but should not forego the average stories in every African-American family in favor of the once-a-century events and leaders in our history.
OpinionBritish Prime Minister David Cameron's audacious vision for EuropeBritish Prime Minister David Cameron's vision for the Europe Union is blatantly self-serving. His promise to let the Brits vote on EU membership is designed to ensure his own reelection. But his plan for a leaner and less intrusive union may also win some friends on the continent.
- A Christian Science Perspective'Fear not, little flock'
A Christian Science perspective: A spiritual lesson from birds' daily flight to find food.
The Monitor's ViewAfter Chicago shooting of girl, a fresh look at gang gun violenceThe tragic shooting of an innocent and promising Chicago teenager must reinforce attention on the best ways to curb urban gang violence. One key approach: police-clergy coalitions.
5 reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet Africa’s experiment in a regional approach to security is serious and laudable, but it will take time to build credible capacity. Here are five reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet.
OpinionConflict in Mali shows US needs greater engagement in AfricaWhile I am pleased at reports of US cooperation with France to stop Islamist extremists Mali and run them out of Timbuktu, I remain concerned about the interrelated, widespread threat of terror in the region. America cannot afford to treat it as compartmentalized country-by-country issue.
OpinionThe fall and rise of Chuck Hagel: a good sign for US-Israel relationsChuck Hagel, President Obama's controversial nominee for secretary of Defense, faces his Senate confirmation hearing today. His rise after a wave of objections is a welcome sign that 'daylight' between US and Israeli policies may be becoming more politically acceptable in Washington.
