All Commentary
OpinionWhy peace has a foothold in the PhilippinesThe Philippines has been fighting a decades-long insurgency. But a cease-fire is holding and peace talks are advancing. What makes this possible is commitment from the top and the bottom: Leaders insist on moving ahead, and warring families want peace for their children.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveIn (modest) praise of Barbie
A Christian Science perspective: A mother gives a second thought to the influence Barbie might have on her daughter. After all, over the years Barbie has had more than 100 careers, along with a variety of cultural backgrounds.
The Monitor's ViewCharity begins where?A study of giving by Americans shows the different amounts and the goals of their charity, as reflected to a degree in the giving by Romney and Obama. But the motives for giving are still a source of study.
Global ViewpointWill America kill the curiosity that sent the rover to Mars?The landing of the Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity on Mars marks a historic triumph for NASA, space exploration, and American innovation. But the endangered state of curiosity-driven basic research endangers America’s capacity for future innovations.
- Global ViewpointWill America kill the curiosity that sent the rover to Mars?
The landing of the Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity on Mars marks a historic triumph for NASA, space exploration, and American innovation. But the endangered state of curiosity-driven basic research endangers America’s capacity for future innovations.
OpinionCan Paul Ryan educate voters about Medicare reform?Paul Ryan and his Republican supporters see the presidential election as a chance to educate voters about Medicare reform. Some claim that campaigns are not for educating, but for winning. That's only partially true. Campaigns still have great teaching value.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveThe great equalizer
A Christian Science perspective: A life of fulfillment includes the knowledge that as children of God we are all loved equally and forever.
The Monitor's ViewJapan-China island clash: Peace in a common historyThe island clash between Japan and China, as well as other island disputes in East Asia, could be more easily resolved if neighbors shared a common view of history.
OpinionMy gloriously useless degrees in the humanitiesMany insist the US needs more engineers and scientists to revive the economy. The hard truth is no degree guarantees a secure trajectory anymore. While I may not remember all I absorbed studying the humanities, I learned to think for myself. That has been invaluable in the workplace.
OpinionWhy Israel shrugs at retaliation after attack on IranThe threat of a simultaneous war with Iran's proxies – Hezbollah, Syria, and Gaza militants – is a key consideration for Israel as it weighs an attack on Iran. But Iran’s allies may not be as keen about going to war for the ayatollahs as Tehran would like, and the Israelis know it.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveThe transforming power of divine light
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewRomney, Obama must call a truce on nasty campaigningAs mudslinging escalates, voters will use new digital tools to avoid campaign ads. Romney and Obama can agree to keep negativity in check.
OpinionWhy the world can't tolerate a preemptive Israeli attack on IranUnder the UN Charter, neither Israel nor the US would have a legal right to preemptively launch a military attack on Iran. Do we want a world in which leaders are free to launch military attacks on other countries simply on an assumption of hostile intent and military capacity?
- A Christian Science PerspectiveSpoiler alert!
A Christian Science perspective: This article contains information about the outcome of your life that may indeed be valuable – even if you'd rather be surprised.
The Monitor's ViewPut a light on Europe's shadow economyThe euro crisis stems in part from countries like Greece not collecting taxes on a sizeable 'shadow' economy. These off-the-book activities need to be brought into the light of legal, taxable commerce.
OpinionBack to school – and new common standards?So far, 47 states have signed on to the 'common core state standards' launched by the National Governors Association in 2009. The standards ensure uniformity in what's taught in every classroom nationwide. But we need follow-through at the local level. Here's what you can do.
8 steps to US energy security If Americans are serious about making energy security a moon shot for this generation, the president and Congress must create an integrated rather than piecemeal approach for meeting this goal.Here's a plan to consider.– Steve Yetiv, August 15, 2012- A Christian Science PerspectiveJournalists' role in truth-telling
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewEgypt's Morsi puts military on right side of historyThe elected president, Mohamed Morsi, purged the top brass that had constrained his authority. With civilian rule asserted, Morsi's own Muslim Brotherhood must now also bend to popular will and not use the state to hold onto power.
OpinionAmerica's young 2012 Olympians are its futureGymnast Gabby Douglas, runner Galen Rupp, the women's 400-meter relay team: America got a clear glimpse of its bright future at the 2012 Olympics as 'Millennial Generation' Olympians exhibited their unique take on the country’s traditional pride, diversity, and can-do spirit.
