All Commentary
OpinionWhy Samoas and Thin Mints strike fear in the hearts of Girl Scout parentsMy three daughters recently become Girl Scouts so I knew that selling cookies was in our future. In fact, I foolishly looked forward to it. After all, what could be more American?
- A Christian Science PerspectiveYour specialness in God's eyes
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWhich Iran is Obama dealing with?Events in recent days reveal two views of Iranian leaders: as either pragmatic to the pressure of sanctions or irrationally bent on terror and Israel's demise. So far, Obama is playing to Iranian rationality, reflected by the Iranian people.
OpinionAs violent Puerto Rican drug trade seeps into mainland US, Washington must actDrug trafficking is at the root of most of the 1,136 homicides perpetrated in Puerto Rico in 2011, the highest number ever recorded, exceeding even Mexico's murder rate. The Puerto Rican government cannot manage this crisis alone. Washington must intervene.
OpinionObama must support India-Pakistan rapprochementAmid all the bad news, there is a bit of hope in South Asia: India and Pakistan have restarted their peace dialogue, with greater economic engagement. The Obama administration should reinforce this effort, which would help US security interests in the region, especially in Afghanistan.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveBlack History Month and a celebration of unselfishness
A Christian Science perspective.
8 ways to find common ground Gridlock plagues Washington. Polarizing soundbytes get constant play in the 24/7 news cycle. The culture wars rage on. But these Monitor op-ed writers suggest there’s more common ground than meets the eye. Here are eight powerful perspectives on the possibilities for meeting in the middle.
The Monitor's ViewYoung people, post recession: Ready to launch?Post-recession data and the government's pro-elderly policies don't give much hope to Millennials. Yet they remain surprisingly optimistic.
Global ViewpointWill China's Communist Party prove James Madison wrong? Unlikely.Ruling in China used to be like hammering a nail into wood. Now it is much more like balancing on a slippery egg. Whether the authorities can sustain their present balancing act seems doubtful.
- Global ViewpointWill China's Communist Party prove James Madison wrong? Unlikely.
Ruling in China used to be like hammering a nail into wood. Now it is much more like balancing on a slippery egg. Whether the authorities can sustain their present balancing act seems doubtful.
OpinionSyrians feel caught in an external power struggle, less willing to confront their ownSyrians feel caught in a proxy power struggle among the US, Gulf states, China, and Russia – who all seem more concerned with their interests and less with democracy for all. This external fight is preventing Syrians from making vital decisions about their own internal challenges.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveWait on the Lord
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewMontana's challenge to 'super PACs'Montana's high court challenges the moral basis for the US Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling that spawned super PACs. The high court needs to rebalance free speech vs. democracy.
OpinionIndia's support for Iran threatens its US relationship and global leadership roleIndia's statement that it will continue to purchase oil from Iran is a major setback for the US attempt to isolate the Iranian government over the nuclear issue. It's also bitterly disappointing news for those of us who have championed a close relationship with India.
OpinionTwo cheers for super PACsSuper PACs aren’t the constitution-eating monsters critics have made them out to be. In fact, they engage voters in the democratic process. So why only two cheers? Loopholes prevent full transparency on where these groups get their funding. But Congress can fix that.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveA valentine message: 'All you need is love'
A Christian Science perspective: Valentine's Day or not, in God's love for each of His children, no one is left out.
Millennial generation: What's love got to do with it?Each generation approaches courtship and marriage differently. But even Generation Y, which is reticent about going to the altar, is looking for the same thing: a deep and fulfilling relationship.
The Monitor's ViewObama's needed rapport with China's XiXin Jinping will be in power for a decade, so his visit to the US must establish a trust that can help smooth growing differences and prevent confrontations.
OpinionOutrage over Egypt's arrest of NGO workers, but US would have done the sameThe outrage over Egypt's arrest of 43 NGO workers, at least 16 of whom are American, is understandable and well deserved. But it also speaks to a little acknowledged paradox: These organizations are conducting democracy-building work that would never be tolerated in the US.
OpinionTesla SUV with wings or not, we should kill the electric carEnvironmental groups are cheering: Tesla unveiled its newest fleet of electric vehicles this weekend, and California recently tightened its emissions standards. I was once enthusiastic about electric cars, too – as a solution to our environmental and energy challenges. I was wrong.
