All Commentary
- OpinionNigeria's Boko Haram attacks are misunderstood as regional Islamist threatConcern is growing that the Boko Haram militant group in Nigeria is linked to Al Qaeda and Al Shabaab as part of a coordinated Islamist terrorist threat in Africa. But most often, the reasons for the group's attacks are local.
- Five vital tips to succeed in college Many college students spent their winter break with friends and family, and are returning to campus more committed and energized. But far too many others are not. Unsuccessful students may be contemplating taking a break from school or dropping out altogether.Academic ability, while important, is only part of the picture when it comes to being successful in college. Jasmine Stirling, chief marketing officer at InsideTrack, which offers technology-enabled student coaching services, suggests five resolutions to help any college student be more successful.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveWhen a night of prayer brought lightA Christian Science perspective.
- The Monitor's ViewRowdy politics aside, Americans are in a 'civics recession'The presidential primaries give the impression of sharp citizenship skills among Americans. But civics learning lags. Obama education officials plan to reverse it.
- OpinionObama's health-care law is hurting insurance agents and millions of consumersThis month marks a year since Obama's health law put into play one of its lesser known, but most damaging provisions. A rule that amounts to a pay cut for insurance agencies has complicated the lives of millions, reducing the help with claims that these agents provide.
- OpinionFree Syrian Army commander: 'I'll name my son Juppé if West intervenes'French foreign minister Alain Juppé has called for humanitarian intervention in Syria, but world leaders hesitate. As the price of inaction rises, they need a clear strategy for hastening change. My experience with a Free Syrian Army commander shows that the rebel force will play a crucial role.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveAcademics and spiritual progressA Christian Science perspective.
- The Monitor's ViewAfter New Hampshire primary: Will voters 'fire' Romney?Mitt Romney's comment on firing people only helps open a debate about 'traditional' economics. Even economists are torn – after being humbled by the Great Recession. Can politics fill the void?
- Walter RodgersWar with Iran? Consult history.It sounds like war drums. Tehran says it will execute an alleged US spy and threatens to block the Strait of Hormuz. GOP presidential candidates talk of regime change and military strikes, and Obama is not cowed by Iran. But wars do not often turn out as envisioned.
- Walter RodgersWar with Iran? Consult history.It sounds like war drums. Tehran says it will execute an alleged US spy and threatens to block the Strait of Hormuz. GOP presidential candidates talk of regime change and military strikes, and Obama is not cowed by Iran. But wars do not often turn out as envisioned.
- OpinionDream a little DREAM: A solution to US illegal immigration that is fair to allIn US immigration debate, compassion for children brought here illegally by parents, and fairness to citizens and legal immigrants do not have to be diametrically opposed. Congress and Obama can grant lawful permanent resident status under a version of the now-defunct DREAM Act.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveSafety from threats large and smallA Christian Science perspective.
- The Monitor's ViewArab Spring justice – but a free pass for Yemen's SalehUnder a plan backed by Obama and Saudi Arabia, Yemen's interim cabinet agreed Sunday to amnesty for President Ali Abdullah Saleh in return for him stepping down. But democracy can't take root without rule of law.
- OpinionObama's 'new' defense goals aren't new – and neither are the flaws in his strategyThe goals of Obama's new defense strategy aren't new: countering terrorism and instability in the Middle East and maintaining access in the Asia Pacific. The news is the change in how the US will accomplish those goals. Can the strategy work? I have my doubts.
- OpinionSelling organs to pay off debt: Microfinance needs reformsGovernments and microfinance institutions must continue taking steps to reform the industry and provide the impoverished with a variety of financial services, including savings options and grants, which better meet their needs.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveLooking for your Soul-mate?A Christian Science perspective.
- The Monitor's ViewArabs, like others, don't buy into abuse of historic grievancesThe Arab Spring reflects a trend away from people accepting leaders who try to exploit the ancient wrongs of other countries for their own political or violent ends.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Tebow should kneel off the field; prophets of hope, not doomLetters to the Editor for the weekly issue of January 2, 2011: One reader says Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow's displays of faith don't belong in the end zone. Another praises a recent cover story assessing world progress: Why must one be a prophet of doom to be recognized as a prophet?
- Global ViewpointTurkey and Iran carve up a ruptured Arab worldMany analysts say the Middle East is the focus of a geopolitical power struggle between the United States and Iran. That misses the primary thread of events – namely, the ongoing soft partition of the Arab republics between Turkey and Iran, with Turkey the stronger power.
- Global ViewpointTurkey and Iran carve up a ruptured Arab worldMany analysts say the Middle East is the focus of a geopolitical power struggle between the United States and Iran. That misses the primary thread of events – namely, the ongoing soft partition of the Arab republics between Turkey and Iran, with Turkey the stronger power.