All Commentary
The Monitor's ViewMuslim protests as a gauge of free speechMost of the world's Muslims aren't violently protesting the anti-Islam video. And many Islamic leaders seek peaceful protest but not censorship. This may be a sign that free speech has gained as a universal right.
OpinionTime to argue for Islam's humane view of blasphemyViolent protests over the video that insults the prophet Muhammad highlight a fundamentalist view of blasphemy. But this interpretation relies on only a handful of sources and ignores Islamic authorities with a far more humane view. Muslims should rediscover these Islamic thinkers.
3 views on whether US still needs affirmative action This November, voters in Oklahoma will consider a ballot measure banning affirmative action in public-sector hiring. And in October, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in the Fisher v. University of Texas case – centered on the use of affirmative action in public-university admissions. As the second installment in our One Minute Debate series for election 2012, three writers give their brief take on whether the United States still needs affirmative action.
You can call me "A.I."Artificial intelligence may soon reach the point where it can answer questions that make it seem indistinguishable from human intelligence. But machines and humans are a long way from answering the most basic question of all: Where did intelligence itself come from?
- A Christian Science PerspectiveArtificial versus real intelligence
A Christian Science perspective.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Test scores can't measure teachers; Poor civics education threatens US democracy
Letters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of September 17, 2012: Many schools no longer teach civics – or even much history – leaving students without the lessons that create informed, engaged citizens. A teacher's goals – shaping human lives, as well as imparting specific knowledge and skills in the process – can't fully be measured by numbers on a year-end test.
The Monitor's ViewBernanke and Fed can't be sole bearers of economic certaintyIn bold moves, central banks in the US and Europe promise indefinite spending to boost markets. The Federal Reserve and European Central Bank may be financial backstops but they can't pitch certainty into an economy.
Global ViewpointIn violence over anti-Muslim video, a new world disorderWelcome to our new world, where no one is in control – neither the West of its social media nor Arab rulers of their liberated subjects. This is a combustible mix that goes beyond the recent anti-Muslim video to the overall message of Western-shaped globalization.
- Global ViewpointIn violence over anti-Muslim video, a new world disorder
Welcome to our new world, where no one is in control – neither the West of its social media nor Arab rulers of their liberated subjects. This is a combustible mix that goes beyond the recent anti-Muslim video to the overall message of Western-shaped globalization.
OpinionAnti-Muslim video – one more reason for independent scholarship on the QuranInterest in the Quran has risen dramatically. Yet no independent association for Quranic study exists in the US – nothing like the Society of Biblical Literature, for instance. That will soon change, and as violent protests over an anti-Muslim video show, the need for scholarly insight is great.
OpinionBill Clinton's arithmetic really endorses Mitt RomneyWhen Bill Clinton nominated President Obama at the Democratic National Convention last week, he emphasized cooperation and understanding arithmetic as essential to leadership. If you look at reality not rhetoric, you could say that Clinton was not so subtly endorsing Mitt Romney.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveFinding peace and home
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWhy bike sharing will make cities friendlierNew York and Chicago launch bike-sharing programs next spring, a big jump for creating a cycling culture in American cities. Life for urban dwellers will be better. Here's why.
OpinionAnti-US attacks in Libya, Egypt, Yemen: Put security firstViolent attacks on US diplomatic posts in Libya, Egypt, Yemen, and elsewhere this week underscore a lesson taught repeatedly over the past decade – namely, that security is necessary to launch fledgling democracies emerging from autocratic states.
OpinionHarvard cheating scandal? It could be bad teaching.Several theories try to explain alleged cheating at Harvard University, but they omit the most obvious explanation: poor teaching. Students are more likely to cheat when they feel disengaged from a class. Universities cheat our kids by placing a low premium on teaching.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveIn God we trust
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewIslam's answer to the killing of US envoys in LibyaThe killing of US diplomats in Libya is seen as zealous revenge for the blasphemy of a film against Islam. Muslims must assert their faith's teachings of peace and mercy as the answer to such hate.
OpinionUS must actively work for regime change in IranAs sanctions take hold, Iranians are more dissatisfied with their government than ever. The time is right for the US and other democracies to actively support freedom seeking Iranians and regime change. That would also solve the crisis over Iran's nuclear program.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveWhere is that fountain of youth?
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewHard lessons in liberty for the Middle EastWith pro-democracy struggles in trouble in Iran and in the Arab Spring, opposition figures now realize that unity against tyranny is easier than unity in favor of democracy. Many see the need for a change.
