All Commentary
- A Christian Science PerspectiveGiving thanks for 'sweet water'
A Christian Science perspective: Earth Day can be a time to give gratitude for God's abundance.
The Monitor's ViewContaining Syria's chemical weaponsLittle-noticed amid the fighting and attempted cease-fire in Syria are the stockpiles of chemical weapons. The US and others are trying to check their use or theft. Russia also needs to pressure Assad into ensuring they are safely stored.
Global ViewpointWorld's next technology leader will be US, not China – if America can shape upInnovation drives income growth and determines global military and diplomatic leadership. China lacks the kind of inclusive political institutions like those in the US that promote innovation. But inequality and money's influence on political power threaten American innovation.
- Global ViewpointWorld's next technology leader will be US, not China – if America can shape up
Innovation drives income growth and determines global military and diplomatic leadership. China lacks the kind of inclusive political institutions like those in the US that promote innovation. But inequality and money's influence on political power threaten American innovation.
OpinionThe firing of Brooke Harris: a teachable moment about free speechLast month, Michigan teacher Brooke Harris was fired for allegedly helping students organize a 'hoodie' fundraiser for the family of Trayvon Martin. By all means, give Harris her job back. But let’s also support the free-speech rights of all of our teachers, not just the ones we agree with.
OpinionTarek Mehanna: Punishing Muslims for free speech only helps Al QaedaTarek Mehanna’s political speech was controversial and offensive. But the prosecution did not show that he was willing to actually engage in violence. Terrorists win hearts and minds when the US government prosecutes Muslims in America with little regard for the Constitution.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveBreaking the mocking habit
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewCitiGroup shareholder revolt: golden-rule capitalismA shareholder revolt at banking giant CitiGroup that rejected a pay package for top executives marks a chance for a healthier relationship between investors and managers. It might also reduce the nation's income inequality.
Global ViewpointGordon Brown: 'Education without Borders' is a must for kids in conflict zonesFailure to protect the right to education for children in conflict zones fuels violence by drawing children to terrorist groups. In South Sudan, girls are more likely to die in childbirth than make it through primary school. The World Bank and IMF spring meeting must address this.
- Global ViewpointGordon Brown: 'Education without Borders' is a must for kids in conflict zones
Failure to protect the right to education for children in conflict zones fuels violence by drawing children to terrorist groups. In South Sudan, girls are more likely to die in childbirth than make it through primary school. The World Bank and IMF spring meeting must address this.
OpinionWhy Obama can't control gas pricesMany of us fail to understand a near-maxim of gas prices: No one can really control them and certainly not an American president. And we should know why that is the case since the price of gasoline impacts us all and the global economy.
OpinionBashar al-Assad may be beating Annan plan in Syria for now, but he won't for longPutting UN monitors on the ground in Syria as part of Kofi Annan’s wider peace plan is a constructive step forward. But for now, Bashar al-Assad continues to set most of the terms. With more creative international action he will not be able to do so in the medium to long term.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveHard times, bad housing market, and a true home
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewThe GSA and Secret Service scandals: Where's the public virtue?The misconduct of Secret Service agents and General Services Administration (GSA) workers must lead to reforms and better education of public workers about their special role.
Look! Up in the sky! It's Space Shuttle Discovery.This morning, I laced up my office set of tennis shoes and walked to the Washington Monument to witness the final flight of the Space Shuttle Discovery headed for its museum resting place. The crowd pointed excitedly as if they were looking at Superman. And in a way, they were.
OpinionRussia protests are overblown by West. Putin is here to stay.Mesmerized by Moscow protests, Western observers predict President-elect Vladimir Putin’s demise. But the politically active middle class is small and limited. US policy must be based on a realistic analysis of Putin’s support, not unfounded assessments that he's on his last legs.
OpinionTax day: How to remind Americans that paying taxes is a conservative valueTo help create a political climate in which Americans can talk sensibly about taxes, let's start with kids: It’s time to make The Tax Talk with our kids just as much a part of our culture as The Sex Talk or The Drugs Talk.
- A Christian Science PerspectivePrayer: the long and the short of it
A Christian Science perspective: Whether our prayers are long or short, the key is heartfelt sincerity and trust.
The Monitor's ViewArtful diplomacy with Syria and IranKofi Annan and Catherine Ashton each relied on delicate diplomacy to bring some fragile hope to two big security issues – Iran's nuclear program and the civil war in Syria.
OpinionBigger scandal in Latin America than US secret service: US drug hungerThe secret service prostitution scandal overshadows renewed calls at the Summit of the Americas for the US to stanch its drug consumption. A viral 'Drug Violence 2012' video (think 'Kony 2012') would help young Americans connect US drug use to violence in Central and South America.
