All Commentary
OpinionMissing from Colombia, FARC peace negotiations: womenAs the government of Colombia and the militant insurgency group FARC begin peace negotiations today in Oslo, Norway, they may finally end one of Latin Americas longest conflicts. But greater participation by all Colombians, especially women, is critical for a lasting peace.
OpinionR.I.P. town-hall presidential debatesIn Tuesday’s presidential debate moderated by Candy Crowley, both candidates focused more on delivering their prepared quips and the equality of timekeeping than directly answering voters' questions. The town-hall debate has not lived up to its promise. It is time to try a fresh format.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveMalala Yousafzai and the meekness and might of innocence
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewMr. Obama, just say no to state ballots on marijuana legalizationThe silence of America's top law enforcement officials – President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder – on three state votes to legalize marijuana is puzzling. If any of the measures pass, it will cause a constitutional crisis as well as a dangerous jump in pot use.
OpinionObama's missed debate opportunities against Romney may cost himThough many have declared the night a 'win' for President Obama in his second presidential debate against Mitt Romney, he let several key opportunities to call Romney on the carpet go by. Think: capital gains tax rates and 'binders full of women.' Democrats still have reason to worry.
Global ViewpointThe price of inequality: Q&A with Nobel economics winner Joseph StiglitzJoseph Stiglitz, author of the new book 'The Price of Inequality,' argues that the wealth gap in the United States 'is holding us back' because it weakens consumer demand. 'If we want to restore growth, and therefore full employment and greater tax revenues,' we need to address this gap.
- Global ViewpointThe price of inequality: Q&A with Nobel economics winner Joseph Stiglitz
Joseph Stiglitz, author of the new book 'The Price of Inequality,' argues that the wealth gap in the United States 'is holding us back' because it weakens consumer demand. 'If we want to restore growth, and therefore full employment and greater tax revenues,' we need to address this gap.
- A Christian Science PerspectivePrayer and Iran's nuclear threat
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewNew Jersey's bad call on sports bettingNew Jersey plans to allow sports betting early next year in defiance of federal law and possible corruption of the culture of sports. The state even admits such gambling would harm its own teams.
3 views on whether the next Congress should repeal Obamacare Repealing Obamacare is bound to come up as voters in a town-hall forum question President Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney in the second presidential debate. Concerns about healthcare, from Medicare to the Affordable Care Act, play a key role in this election. Three writers give their brief take on whether the next Congress should repeal the Affordable Care Act.
OpinionScotland independence movement sends dangerous messageScotland's Alex Salmond and British Prime Minister David Cameron signed the 'Edinburgh deal' – allowing Scotland to hold a referendum vote on independence in 2014. As Europe's bonds are tested, the push for Scottish independence sends a dangerous 'go it alone' message.
OpinionPolitics around Benghazi tragedy distract us from bigger issues in Middle EastDeflecting some of the heat the Romney campaign has aimed at President Obama and Joe Biden for the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton claimed responsibility for the security of US diplomats. America’s blind focus on avenging terrorism diverts us from asking hard questions about its historical roots – and our dubious alliances today.
The Cuba crisis and the illusion of controlFifty years ago this week, the world stood on the brink of nuclear war. Looking back, two superpowers had boxed themselves into confrontation. Looking ahead, leaders must avoid that trap again with Iran and other critical issues.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveRiches were in the house, all the time
A Christian Science perspective.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: More advocates needed for foster children; Empower women with family planning to end world hunger
Letters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of October 15, 2012: More volunteers – especially men – are need to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and guardians ad litem (GAL) for foster children. One of the best ways to fight world hunger is to combat population growth through empowering women with family planning and contraception resources.
The Monitor's ViewWhy Romney, Obama must drop the fear-mongeringIn their political ads and presidential debates, Mitt Romney and President Obama worsen economic uncertainty by using fear tactics and pandering to special interests. The economy needs the certainty of a political consensus.
OpinionNATO must offer Turkey military support in Syria crisisTurkey has twice turned to NATO for support in the face of attacks from Syria. But the transatlantic alliance has responded with words rather than deeds. To preserve its credibility in Turkey and the region, NATO should offer radar aircraft and/or rapid reaction forces.
Opinion50 years after Cuban missile crisis: closer than you thought to World War IIIFifty years after the Cuban missile crisis, many people find it hard to believe that the confrontation could have pushed the US and Soviet Union to nuclear war. Robert F. Kennedy’s newly released papers remind us why this was the most dangerous moment in recorded history.
Election 2012: Choose a future, any futureIf you have diligently read the position papers, listened to the speeches, and watched the debates, by now you know a lot about both candidates for president. That's good citizenship -- but it doesn't necessarily mean the next four years will unfold the way you think.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveGovernment: What does God have to do with it?
A Christian Science perspective.
