All Commentary
6 ways to avoid the 'fiscal cliff' Republican congressional leaders and President Obama sharply disagree over how to deal with the impending “fiscal cliff.” But a successful plan shouldn’t be that hard to put in place. Here are six ways Washington can avoid the “fiscal cliff.”
OpinionObama is right to visit Myanmar (Burma)The apparent end of censorship has unleashed a veritable media gold rush in Myanmar (Burma). On his visit there, President Obama should encourage the country's wave of democratic reforms by highlighting the urgent need for free and open media to reach all parts of the country.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveTaking a stand for fidelity
A Christian Science perspective: Some insights on the spiritual foundation of fidelity in light of the scandal in Washington, D.C., involving David Patraeus.
The Monitor's ViewChina's new leaders can't rule by pedigreeXi Jinping, the new leader of the Communist Party, takes power along with others as descendants of Mao's revolutionary elite. But China needs rulers open to change, not those who cling to hereditary privilege.
OpinionIn shifting sands of Middle East, who will lead?Leadership in the Middle East is up for grabs as the Syrian war intensifies, the Arab Spring changes regional power dynamics, and Israel's airstrikes and Hamas rockets again roil Gaza. Last year, Turkey was the assumed role model for the region. But it has fallen down on the job.
OpinionLetter to China's new leader, Xi JinpingDear Xi Jinping: Congratulations on your elevation to the top post in China. Many expect you to be the most powerful head of state in the world. But you face global citizens who are saying, 'enough is enough' when it comes to trade, human rights, and nationalism. Be forewarned.
OpinionObama, Congress should push NATO missile defense program off 'fiscal cliff'As the automatic defense spending cuts loom, President Obama and Congress should cancel the flawed, expensive NATO missile-defense program. Ending the program would encourage greater international cooperation on security issues and free up Navy ships to address actual threats.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveGrateful teens
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewA model leader for Syria?A moderate Muslim preacher who suffered as a freedom fighter in Syria has been chosen as opposition leader to Assad. Now, Moaz al-Khatib must unite a people torn by civil war and religion.
OpinionDifferent China, same risky political systemAt China's Communist Party congress, outgoing President Hu Jintao made a frank appraisal of challenges faced by the party. But he ruled out any evolution toward a more open and accountable political system. China has yet to learn from South Korea and Taiwan.
OpinionObama's post-election Syria policy is unlikely to change, but it shouldObama’s policy of 'staying the course' in Syria should be weighed against worsening strategic realities in the country and region. Only a careful military program to help the rebels, including arming and training them, can stem the growing costs of US inaction.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveWhy hope?
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's View'Petraeus scandal' as a mirror on marriageAs the 'Petraeus scandal' widens with probes and politics, it should also throw a spotlight on the state of marriage.
Global ViewpointGeorge Soros: To survive, Europe must recapture spirit of solidarityEurope has become divided into two classes – depressed debtors like Greece and controlling creditors like Germany. To reverse this, Europe must recapture its spirit of solidarity. A good place to start is where suffering is greatest, in Greece, among thousands of mistreated migrants.
- Global ViewpointGeorge Soros: To survive, Europe must recapture spirit of solidarity
Europe has become divided into two classes – depressed debtors like Greece and controlling creditors like Germany. To reverse this, Europe must recapture its spirit of solidarity. A good place to start is where suffering is greatest, in Greece, among thousands of mistreated migrants.
OpinionBalkan conflicts hold clear lessons on intervention in SyriaAs policymakers in Europe, the United States, the Gulf states, Turkey, and the Arab League search for ways to resolve the conflict in Syria, they should consider what the wars in Bosnia and Kosovo have to teach about outside intervention. The main lesson? Do it – to stop the killing.
OpinionTo avoid 'fiscal cliff,' try mediationThe 'fiscal cliff' needs urgent attention, but the election returned the same House/Senate/White House configuration that failed to agree on the budget ceiling in 2011. More active participation by President Obama combined with mediation could help bridge the congressional divide.
What happens in a news drought?Throughout the United States, newspapers are downsizing. Whether or not you shed a tear for journalists, it's worth considering what happens in communities where no one is keeping watch on politicians, public officials, or city streets.
- A Christian Science Perspective'The Invisible War': what we can do
A Christian Science perspective: Some insights after viewing the documentary ‘The Invisible War,’ which reports on widespread sexual abuse of women serving in the US military.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: US-NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan is complicated; Quran must be better understood
Letters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of November 11, 2012: The US military entered Afghanistan in 2001 in order to bring democracy, gender equality, and security to that nation, but many would argue that they have failed on all counts; The Quran must be discussed with reason and intelligence, as an International Quranic Studies Association would hopefully accomplish.
