All Commentary
The Monitor's ViewMake sure shale-gas boom doesn't go bustObama and GOP should unite in driving the use of this abundant gas as a 'bridge fuel' to renewable energy. But they must be cautious in rushing to tap shale gas.
OpinionEx-CIA spy: Iran's miscalculation over warLeading Iranians are criticizing the regime, including its war-like provocation and the foreign sanctions aimed at its nuclear program. One Revolutionary Guard commander calls Iran's war threats 'the same stupidity' and miscalculation that preceded the Iran-Iraq war.
OpinionObama, here's how to help the poor: Educate both parents and their childrenIn his State of the Union address, President Obama touted ways to improve education and the economy. One solution – with a proven record of success – didn't make it into the speech: a two-generation strategy to educate families and bring them out of poverty.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveThe State of the Union: a different view
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewIndependence for Scotland: Nothing brave about itBreaking up countries, even peacefully, runs against the tide of history. Civic virtues can unite a people, despite their history and cultures.
OpinionEvangelicals now vote for Catholics. Will they also vote for a Mormon?Defying a history of anti-Catholicism, evangelical leaders recently endorsed GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum (a Catholic), and South Carolina Evangelicals voted Catholic Newt Gingrich to victory in their primary. Will Mormon Mitt Romney be next to win them over?
OpinionEuropean Union test case: stop Hungary from backsliding on democracyIt's hard to love the EU – bureaucratic, legalistic, mired in gridlock. The euro crisis hasn't earned it much praise lately, either. But the EU still has vital clout. It can help force member states like Hungary to stick to democracy, rather than backslide into dictatorship.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveFinding healing for the abused and abusers
A Christian Science perspective.
Five reasons to attack Iran Sanctions against Iran are tightening, including Europe’s ban on oil imports. Tehran is highly unlikely to reach a negotiated agreement over its nuclear program, says Matthew Kroenig, a Stanton Nuclear Security fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations believes. In the choice between Iran having nuclear weapons and a US military strike to prevent that, a strike is the least bad option. Here Mr. Kroenig gives five reasons the US should attack Iran.
The Monitor's ViewA quality of mercy in Haley Barbour's pardonsAs he stepped down as Mississippi's governor, Haley Barbour pardoned more than 200 people, including some convicted of murder. His action, and the uproar over it, help ignite a useful debate on using mercy as a tool for justice.
Global ViewpointBrzezinski: Can democracies thrive with financial systems that are out of control?In an interview, Zbigniew Brzezinski, one of America’s leading strategists, discusses shifting global power, looking at China, Europe, Turkey, Russia, the US, and the Arab Spring.
- Global ViewpointBrzezinski: Can democracies thrive with financial systems that are out of control?
In an interview, Zbigniew Brzezinski, one of America’s leading strategists, discusses shifting global power, looking at China, Europe, Turkey, Russia, the US, and the Arab Spring.
3 reasons why China isn't overtaking the US Most Americans fear that China will soon surpass the United States in global power and economic clout. But this widespread view is wrong, based on sloppy analysis and outdated conceptions of national power, says Michael Beckley of Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. People who believe that China is overtaking the US make at least one of the following three mistakes.
OpinionState of the Union address: best and worst in historyThe State of the Union address is a big moment for a president, but not usually a memorable one for the public. Americans are more likely to remember Gabrielle Giffords at tonight's speech than anything Obama says. Still, the speech has had its high points, and low ones.
OpinionThanks to Occupy, rich-poor gap is front and center. See Mitt Romney's tax return.Thanks to the Occupy movement and information easily disseminated on the Internet, Americans are better informed about the rich-poor gap. The issue will continue to figure prominently in this election. Case in point: The hoopla over Mitt Romney's tax return.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveHere today, here tomorrow
A Christian Science perspective.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Gingrich isn't the only indecent politician
Letters to the Editor for the weekly issue of January 23, 2011: GOP voters aren't the only 'hypocrites' out there – endorsing Newt Gingrich (with a history of moral failings) over squeaky clean Mitt Romney, while hating family man Obama. Remember Democrats' love of Bill Clinton?
The Monitor's ViewSelf-immolation as protest tactic rises in Tibet, Middle EastPolitical suicides by fire rise among many Tibetans and Arabs as their situations grow desperate. But such a tactic often fails to ignite protest, and itself raises questions.
OpinionBiggest loser in South Carolina isn't Santorum. It's evangelical leadership.Evangelical leaders endorsed Rick Santorum ahead of the South Carolina primary, but evangelical voters didn't listen – pushing Newt Gingrich to victory instead. This departure marks a dramatic shift in the movement – with far-reaching implications for American politics.
Global ViewpointRise of the dragon: China isn't censoring the Internet. It's making it work.Beijing recently strengthened Internet regulations, particularly on the popular microblogging site Weibo. Critics warn that more government monitoring and self-censorship by hosting companies further violates freedom of expression. The reality is far more complicated.
