The Monitor's View

All The Monitor's View

Beijing blinks at 'Charter '08'

When so many intellectuals sign a manifesto for democracy, the regime sweats.
To hear the angels sing

2008 took many folks down a notch. All the better to hear the Christmas message.
Obama's fusion cabinet

He's expanding the definition of diversity beyond race and gender to include differing views.
Obama as geo-politician

In so many acute global crises lie opportunities for new partnerships, led by the US.
Obama's can-do education pick

Arne Duncan, Chicago schools chief, improved performance despite tight money.
A credit card where it's due

New Fed rules for the industry can boost fairness – and cut into America's debt culture.
Big victory against global bribery

A record fine against Siemens hints at success in the US and Europe in curbing payoffs.
Repulsed by Blago's bleeps

People find profanity to be both common and offensive. So why do they put up with it?
Rescue US autoworkers first

Give them a way to get out of companies due for downsizing.
Zero hour in Zimbabwe

Military intervention tempts, but there are other ways to oust despot Mugabe.
Shock and gall in Illinois

The Blagojevich case signals the need for vigilance by citizens, too, to eye the corrupt.
Pump up the federal gas tax

Gas prices have fallen steeply, giving Obama room to raise the tax and help pay for roads.
Obama's dependence on China

To create US jobs, he'll need to make sure Beijing doesn't rev up its export machine.
The US road through Turkey

The two countries share strategic concerns. They should work more closely together.
Why a Big Three rescue is so hard

Congress can't be CEO to the industry's revival or to picking other market winners.
'Tis the season ... for giving

Charities are bracing for lean times. Generous Americans can prove their fears groundless.
Mexico's plea to Obama: Curb drug use

With an internal war on narco-gangs, Mexico needs the US to reduce its drug addiction.
Obama's national security balancing act

With Clinton, Gates, and Jones, he can weigh opposing views better than Bush did.
Best ways to react to India's '9/11'

The three-day assault was likely aimed at sparking India and Pakistan into overreacting.
Ukraine's stalled revolution

The global economic crisis could actually help Kiev's bogged-down government.