All Commentary
The Monitor's ViewA parachute for Americans on their fiscal cliffThe hard decisions in the fiscal cliff negotiations between the GOP and Democrats would be easier if lawmakers could point to other nations that have seen the benefits of fiscal discipline in lifting an economy.
OpinionFiscal cliff: Republicans on wrong track if they help Obama raise taxes on the richHigher taxes won’t much improve US finances and would likely wreck the economy. But as fiscal cliff talks intensify, a small group of Republican senators are prepared to help President Obama make the rich pay more – facts notwithstanding. A better approach: Spur private-sector growth.
Global ViewpointRecep Tayyip Erdogan: Turkey's economy meets EU membership criteriaSince 2002, Turkey's growth strategy, fiscal discipline, and structural reforms have helped it become the world's 16th largest economy. Last year, Turkey's figures for growth, public borrowing, long-term debt, and unemployment were vastly better than Europe’s.
- Global ViewpointRecep Tayyip Erdogan: Turkey's economy meets EU membership criteria
Since 2002, Turkey's growth strategy, fiscal discipline, and structural reforms have helped it become the world's 16th largest economy. Last year, Turkey's figures for growth, public borrowing, long-term debt, and unemployment were vastly better than Europe’s.
OpinionUS support for Mahmoud Abbas's UN bid for Palestine could save two-state solutionMahmoud Abbas hopes to save his legacy with a bid to have the UN effectively recognize a state of Palestine. Opposition from the US and Israel is self-defeating, as the collapse of Abbas's leadership would also spell the end of a two-state solution, as well as its greatest champion.
A Christian Science PerspectiveA garden of gratitudeA Christian Science perspective: While caring for a seasoned gardener's geraniums next door, this neighbor found a new reason to be grateful for life's beauty.
The Monitor's ViewUS pivot to Mexico?A new leader of Mexico, Enrique Pena Nieto, takes office with enough hope of reform that it argues for the US to draw closer to its neighbor.
OpinionObama must offer a 'grand deal' with Iran on its nuclear programThe current trajectory is headed toward a violent endgame, writes this former spokesman for Iran's nuclear negotiators. The Obama administration needs a new engagement policy with Iran that brings an end to 33 years of a failed 'diplomacy plus pressure' policy dubbed as 'dual-track.'
Global ViewpointGrowing wealth concentration threatens to end American opportunity as we know itThe American creed of equal opportunity is in danger of becoming Hollywood fiction. Wealth concentration, manufacturing's demise, and technology eliminating jobs are destroying upward mobility. We must invest in education, training, and R&D. We must also pay for it.
- Global ViewpointGrowing wealth concentration threatens to end American opportunity as we know it
The American creed of equal opportunity is in danger of becoming Hollywood fiction. Wealth concentration, manufacturing's demise, and technology eliminating jobs are destroying upward mobility. We must invest in education, training, and R&D. We must also pay for it.
OpinionTo avoid fiscal cliff, Obama and GOP should compromise like Founding FathersPresident Obama and John Boehner express optimism that a budget deal to avoid the fiscal cliff will be reached, but gridlock threatens. Politicians would do well to remember that America was established by men who sorely disagreed. Consider the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveGrace that redeems the moments of our lives
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewA case of Obamacare and religious libertyOn Monday, the Supreme Court ordered a lower court to decide on a case involving a clash between religious liberty and Obamacare. Government must tread lightly in defining religion as a way to achieve universal health care and increase access to contraceptives.
OpinionHamas is no winner in the Gaza ceasefire with IsraelHamas has claimed total victory in the ceasefire with Israel. Sure, Hamas evaded a punishing Israeli ground assault in Gaza and gained some diplomatic support and recognition. But in the long run, Hamas is sowing the seeds for its own destruction.
- OpinionWashington needs more people like Senator Warren Rudman
Sen. Rudman, who passed away last week, was perhaps best known for his legislation on deficit reduction. But he also fought tirelessly for campaign finance reform and citizen-funded elections. And he was willing to work across the aisle and stand up to his own Republican party to do it.
OpinionMake #GivingTuesday a US tradition like Black Friday and Cyber MondayThe holiday season starts with one day to give thanks followed by two days (Black Friday and Cyber Monday) for bargain hunting. Today, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals are coming together to launch #GivingTuesday – a day to celebrate the great American tradition of giving.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveThe transforming power of divine Love
The Monitor's ViewCyber Monday's sales success fits one Internet trendThe more Internet phenomena like Cyber Monday shake up old ways, the more governments try to control the Internet. A meeting of global communications regulators in December will test such a government role.
OpinionMali security nightmare: Why foreign intervention alone won't stop the chaosA divided Mali could become a haven for armed groups and a security nightmare for the whole of West Africa and far beyond. But foreign military intervention alone will be insufficient to address the turmoil. External troops will need the help of local and regional civil society organizations.
OpinionTake-away from US election: Obama's 'small' issues won bigThere was no single grand message that was going to win over voters in 2012 – from President Obama or Mitt Romney. A big reason is because America is so diverse and divided, and will likely continue to be.
