All Commentary
OpinionVladimir Putin's karate chop to Russian libertiesIn less than 100 days since he returned to the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin has further curbed Russian civil liberties and dissenters. But this is risky. As political dialogue no longer becomes an option, radicals on both sides are emboldened and the threshold for violence is lowered.
The Monitor's ViewUS-Vietnam Agent Orange clean-up sets a modelOn Thursday, the US and Vietnam start cleaning up dioxin from Agent Orange. This reconciliation, 37 years after the war, may set a precedent in the ethics of dealing with the aftereffects of war.
OpinionWisconsin shooting and its violent echo around the worldIt is feeling pretty rough out there: the Wisconsin and Colorado massacres, a civil war in Syria, killings in the Sinai. These violent events call leaders and individuals to acts of moral courage, and to remember what we have in common with each other.
The Monitor's ViewWisconsin shooting: A call to counter extremist fearThe Wisconsin shootings at a Sikh temple were driven by the fears of Wade Michael Page – and designed to evoke fear. Society's answer to such extremist violence should not be more fear.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveToward stopping violence in Chicago: why there is hope
A Christian Science perspective: Increased gang violence in Chicago has moved this writer to pray ever more earnestly for her city.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveA way to end drought
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewPrepare for what Mars rover Curiosity and other 'big science' may revealThe rover Curiosity could soon beam back evidence of past (or current) life on Mars. Like other recent news in basic science, humans must know how to absorb such challenges to understanding.
OpinionHow to transform African farming: Return to 'orphan crops'If sub-Saharan Africa is to benefit from advances in agricultural productivity, investments in the so-called 'orphan crops' – sweet potato, cassava, and millet – will be crucial for strengthening the poorest farmers’ livelihoods and improving nutrition.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Family dinners are good investment; Both GOP and Dems lean right
Letters to the Editor for the August 6, 2012 weekly print issue: Family dinners at home cost less, are more nutritious, teach children verbal skills, and build connections. American political parties aren't governing from the extremes; they're both governing from the right.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveProtecting the innocence of children
A Christian Science perspective: How a schoolteacher helped prevent child abuse.
The Monitor's ViewWhispers of peace in SyriaWith the resignation of Kofi Annan as UN peace envoy, Syrians must now find their own solution. Reports show a 'silent majority' quietly turning against Assad – and toward peace.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveNever say always?
A Christian Science perspective.
OpinionVast humanitarian crisis in Sudan – againHillary Rodham Clinton's brief visit to South Sudan provided an opportunity for the United States to show leadership in countering a vast humanitarian crisis in the border region between Sudan and South Sudan. Once again, the world is looking away.
Opinion'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter' denies origin and legacy of slaveryThe film wishes away responsibility for America’s most horrific events, because no one is to blame for these tragedies but vampires. America should examine its appetite for this fantasy, when Hollywood transforms the most eloquent statesmen into an axe-wielding action hero.
The Monitor's ViewIndia blackout flips a switchA two-day blackout for half of India was caused in large part by a massive theft of electricity. Many countries have yet to break the link between wholesale corruption and the stealing of power. Such widespread dishonesty can slow a country's growth.
Global ViewpointTony Blair: Europe needs a grand bargain to save the euroWe are used to periodic crises that somehow resolve themselves. This crisis is different. All the choices are ugly, but the least ugly for Europe, and for Germany in particular, is to save the euro.
- Global ViewpointTony Blair: Europe needs a grand bargain to save the euro
We are used to periodic crises that somehow resolve themselves. This crisis is different. All the choices are ugly, but the least ugly for Europe, and for Germany in particular, is to save the euro.
OpinionWashington, get ready for more Iranian influence after Bashar al-Assad falls in SyriaAfter the fall of Bashar-al Assad in Syria, Iran will compensate for its lost ally by strengthening its influence in Lebanon alongside its affiliate Hezbollah – the Shiite militant group that now dominates the country. To prevent this, Washington must take a leadership role in the Lebanon.
The Monitor's ViewCreate jobs – or create more graduates for existing jobs?On the presidential campaign trail, Obama and Romney debate job creation when the easier path is tooling up graduates of higher education for jobs that already exist. But a political divide deters even that solution.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveIn Jesus' footsteps
A Christian Science perspective: When the writer participated in a ‘Radical Acts’ program – an ecumenical community effort to follow Jesus’ most demanding teachings – he found a deeper way of living.
