All Commentary
- Global ViewpointEurope must overcome the politics of fear around the debt crisis
As the former prime minister of Greece, my experience with the debt crisis confirms my belief that this is a political crisis more than a financial one. We have adopted a passive, almost defeatist attitude in Europe. We must break this cycle of fear and mistrust now.
- Global ViewpointEurope must overcome the politics of fear around the debt crisis
As the former prime minister of Greece, my experience with the debt crisis confirms my belief that this is a political crisis more than a financial one. We have adopted a passive, almost defeatist attitude in Europe. We must break this cycle of fear and mistrust now.
- OpinionThe aftermath of superstorm Sandy and the land of opportunity
Predictions abound: Will superstorm Sandy help or hurt President Obama look 'presidential'? The bigger question is what Washington can do to help the neediest Americans, when a hurricane blows through – and when it doesn't.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveIf the Bible could tweet on the US election campaign
A Christian Science perspective: How to recognize an America full of people each potentially open to God's grace, irrespective of who is in power.
- OpinionChina isn't a threat to America. It's an opportunity.
President Obama and Mitt Romney both say it’s time for the US to get tough with China. They have it wrong. China's rising middle class provides a ready consumer market for savvy American companies, while Chinese infrastructure projects increase demand for US construction goods.
- OpinionI'm a young, Mormon woman from a swing state. Here's why I'm an undecided voter.
My state of limbo has less to do with Mitt Romney's and President Obama's political platforms and more with the growing distance and animosity between their two parties. These two campaigns have spent millions on defamation rather than educating voters about the issues.
- The economic impact of hurricane Sandy
Gauging hurricane Sandy's ultimate impact on the US economy is far more complex than merely adding up insurance payouts and uninsured losses. Disasters can give the ailing construction sector a boost, and unleash smart reinvestment that improves stricken areas.
- The economic impact of hurricane Sandy
Gauging hurricane Sandy's ultimate impact on the US economy is far more complex than merely adding up insurance payouts and uninsured losses. Disasters can give the ailing construction sector a boost, and unleash smart reinvestment that improves stricken areas.
- Will the 'European dream' continue?
Amid a protracted economic crisis, Europeans are unsure they want greater integration -- but rightly concerned about backsliding into the nationalistic divisions that long haunted the continent.
- The Monitor's ViewWhat lessons from hurricane Sandy?
The best response to natural events like hurricane Sandy lies in a community preparing its political, civic, and even cultural attitudes. Each disaster, such as Katrina, teaches new lessons. What can America's mid-Atlantic region learn from Sandy?
- A Christian Science PerspectiveWe don't have to wait
A Christian Science perspective: What can allay the fear of contracting meningitis for those who have taken drugs that may have been contaminated?
- Readers RespondReaders Write: How to fight voter-ID disenfranchisement; What US must do about Iran
Letters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of October 29, 2012: In response to voter ID laws (blatant attempts at disenfranchisement) communities should band together and pull off the greatest voter registration drive in history. The US and its allies should step up support for legitimate democracy movements in Iran with the goal of destabilizing and replacing the regime.
- The Monitor's ViewSyria's YouTube 'war' could win the war
Another failed ceasefire in Syria once again demands new ways to end the violence. Perhaps the truth-telling tactics of the opposition in YouTube videos can help hollow out the lies of the Assad regime so that his remaining support collapses.
- OpinionHow to give cooperative businesses more clout in the world economy
Against a backdrop of sluggish economic growth, rising wealth inequality, and high unemployment, cooperative businesses are telling an unexpected story of stability, growth, and value. They could do even more good if they received greater political and public support.
- OpinionIt's almost Nov. 6. Do you know what books Obama and Romney have been reading?
John F. Kennedy, Harry S. Truman, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson – many of America's presidents were avid readers, and that informed their decisions. It gave them critical perspective. Americans should be curious about the reading habits of President Obama and Mitt Romney.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveJust a touch ...
A Christian Science perspective: "A touch of infinite calm" is accessible to each of us.
- The Monitor's ViewOh, the ease of blaming others in a crisis
When earthquake experts are sentenced for bad predictions and lenders accused of bad calls on mortgages, society needs a reminder that individuals are responsible for their actions.
- OpinionOil and globalization fuel Al Qaeda terror network
President Obama touts the killing of Osama bin Laden as a major blow to Al Qaeda leadership. Mitt Romney says the terrorist network remains a major threat. They're both right. Middle East oil and the forces of globalization continue to fuel Al Qaeda offshoots around the world.
- OpinionUS must clearly back Japan in islands dispute with China
America rightly wants good relations with Japan and China. But sometimes one has to take sides, and the islands dispute between these two Asian powers is such a time. The US must avoid ambiguity and side more publicly with its democratic ally, Japan, and against bullying by China.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveThe government 'upon his shoulder'
A Christian Science perspective: A line from Handel's "Messiah" sheds some light on the US presidential election.