All Commentary
Global ViewpointGerhard Schröder: Don't strangle Europe with austerityEurope is churning after anti-austerity elections in Greece and France, where Socialist François Hollande ousted Nicolas Sarkozy. Europe must now shift from pure austerity toward growth. It must also keep working toward closer political union. Both moves will help Germany's economy.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveUnity and spirituality in Russia
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewAmerica's open door to Chinese activist ChenAmerica's tradition of openness led Chen Guangcheng to knock on its embassy door. Now that openness may allow him to study in the US. The strength of many a country lies in being open to people, ideas, and technology.
OpinionFor a 2012 Obama win, hip-hop stars must 'Barack the vote' like they did in 2008Rap and hip-hop artists have turned down the volume on their once-boisterous efforts to rally their fans – a key part of President Obama’s base – to support him in 2012. To see Obama take office for a second term, the hip-hop community needs to return to the momentum it built in 2008.
OpinionHow to stop 'the end of men' – bring it onMy buddies and I are stifling a laugh. We don’t read much. But we hear the buzz about books like 'The Decline of Men' or 'Manning Up: How the Rise of Women Has Turned Men into Boys.' And we're cool with the experts’ solutions to our problems. In fact, we're delighted.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveA conversation with 'Someone' I love
A Christian Science perspective: How this writer found comfort and freedom from loneliness after her husband passed on.
The Monitor's ViewFinally, European debt crisis goes to the pollsElections in France and Greece may help quell a rising sense of victimhood from this long euro crisis. Such popular sentiment is exactly what the European Union is meant to curb.
OpinionBlame China, not Obama or US, for the plight of activist Chen GuangchengBeijing, not US mishandling, is responsible for activist Chen's predicament. The US often needs to balance its concern for human rights in favor of Beijing’s cooperation on pressing global issues. This is not one of those times. Obama must stand up to China to defend Chen’s rights.
OpinionIf Hollande wins French election, Europe won't collapse – just shift a bitSocialist François Hollande may well win the French presidential election. But don't expect a big brawl or gridlock with German Chancellor Angela Merkel over austerity and debt. Markets will keep Hollande in check. And then there's the tradition of German-French cooperation.
Ann Romney-Hilary Rosen dust-up can't be reduced to a question of 'choice'The Ann Romney-Hilary Rosen clash presented more than another mommy-wars episode. Calling the decision to parent at home or pursue outside paid labor a ‘choice’ obscures the role that businesses, the economy, and government play in shaping the possibilities that families have.
- Ann Romney-Hilary Rosen dust-up can't be reduced to a question of 'choice'
The Ann Romney-Hilary Rosen clash presented more than another mommy-wars episode. Calling the decision to parent at home or pursue outside paid labor a ‘choice’ obscures the role that businesses, the economy, and government play in shaping the possibilities that families have.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveClimate Impacts Day and a new way to look at the world
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWhy economics is still the 'dismal science'Economists befuddled by the economy's twists and turns often fail to tap into data on the most optimist group – young people. Their hopeful 'animal spirits' may be the force for a full recovery.
OpinionUS must focus on upcoming leadership change in AfghanistanWhen Obama made his secret visit to Afghanistan yesterday, he emphasized America's security role. The US needs to focus on helping Afghanistan build its political and governing capabilities. The Afghan presidential election looms with no plan for a smooth transition of power.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveThe language that unites us
A Christian Science perspective.
OpinionTrying youths as adults hurts families and taxpayers, but not crimeIf a juvenile court decides today that accused Chardon High School shooter T.J. Lane is competent to stand trial, he could become one of 250,000 youths prosecuted in adult criminal court every year. This practice harms young people, doesn't save taxpayers money, and doesn't reduce crime.
The Monitor's ViewOn anniversary of Osama bin Laden death, did Obama take too much credit?Critics of Obama's move to politicize his bold decision to kill Osama bin Laden miss a deeper point about leadership.
Global ViewpointArab Spring: now begins the education of Islamist politiciansIn Tunisia and Egypt, Islamists are being elected into office to take on the daunting policy problems of their neglected societies. But Islamists, too, will be chucked out of office if they can’t deliver the goods. And they know it.
- Global ViewpointArab Spring: now begins the education of Islamist politicians
In Tunisia and Egypt, Islamists are being elected into office to take on the daunting policy problems of their neglected societies. But Islamists, too, will be chucked out of office if they can’t deliver the goods. And they know it.
OpinionChinese dissident – bad timing for Washington, BeijingChinese dissident Chen's escape is inopportune. President Obama is in a tough election battle. China faces a leadership change. Washington's angst over how to protect Chen without infuriating Beijing is matched by Beijing's desire to silence him without incurring world disdain.
