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Obama and Myanmar (Burma): 4 points about conflict there
A long-simmering ethnic conflict in Myanmar (Burma) recently broke into American newspapers: At least 89 people have been killed and more than 35,000 displaced in what is being described (not entirely accurately) as Buddhist-Muslim violence. With President Obama as the first US head of state to visit this country, there are four points to bear in mind about this detour from Myanmar’s road to a more open society:
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Briefing
Top 3 reasons why Al Qaeda is more dangerous than ever
On the one-year anniversary of Osama bin Laden’s death, defense analysts say that there are plenty of reasons to think that a resurgence of the perniciously resourceful Al Qaeda is not out of the question.
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Beyond Obamacare: 5 opinions on health care reform
Health care reform remains a contentious issue in the United States. The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of President Obama's health care law, the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare. But some Republicans, like presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, hope to repeal the law under the next Congress. Here, writers explore five key aspects of health-care reform.
All Content
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Taiwan undersea oil plans raise neighbors' eyebrows
The island's exploration efforts in the South China Sea could fuel tensions with China and other nations with territorial claims there. Heated rhetoric last year prompted the US to intervene.
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John Kerry as secretary of State: expect a more traditional style (+video)
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, with her late-night dancing and talks with children, was known for her 'people to people' style. John Kerry is expected to adopt a more traditional version of diplomacy.
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Obama chooses John Kerry for secretary of State. How might he do?
President Obama is expected on Friday to name Sen. John Kerry to replace Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He'd come with his own pet issues – as well as a reputation as a patient negotiator.
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The Monitor's View: Shaping the world of 2030
A US intelligence report to the president on global trends to the year 2030 is generally upbeat. But like any futuristic study, its foresight needs hindsight in the reading.
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How will the US deal with Syrian use of WMDs? (+video)
President Barack Obama, in a speech at the National Defense University on Monday, pointedly warned Syrian President Bashar Assad not to use his arsenal.
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Obama and Myanmar (Burma): 4 points about conflict there
A long-simmering ethnic conflict in Myanmar (Burma) recently broke into American newspapers: At least 89 people have been killed and more than 35,000 displaced in what is being described (not entirely accurately) as Buddhist-Muslim violence. With President Obama as the first US head of state to visit this country, there are four points to bear in mind about this detour from Myanmar’s road to a more open society:
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Small businesses fume, now seeing 'Obamacare' as unavoidable
Election 2012 ended hopes among small businesses that Obama's health-care law would be upended. Papa John's and others are threatening layoffs and higher consumer prices, citing added costs of doing business under 'Obamacare.'
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Failing schools: Should we cut our losses, or fight to reform them?
Recent education reforms have encouraged closing many long-troubled schools. Between 2010 and 2011, 2,000 schools were closed nation-wide. But some argue this may not be the right answer.
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The real reason China-Japan are locked in a territory dispute
Nationalist politics and historical resentments figure big in the China-Japan territorial dispute. But there's another alluring ingredient: oil and gas.
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On ballots: Has pro-marijuana camp found way to win over middle America?
Ballot initiatives in Colorado, Oregon, and Washington would make recreational use of marijuana legal. At least one is likely to succeed. Pro-legalization groups have been honing their message.
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Homework help is overwhelming for some parents
Helping with homework is too much for some moms and dads, but others say after-school worksheets will help kids in the long run.
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Fight over ‘bias’ in political polling as numbers show clear edge for Obama (+video)
Most polls give President Obama the lead over Mitt Romney – some by a margin many find startling. Conservatives say that just proves the polls are rigged to give Democrats the advantage.
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Complex web of interests drives US bid for calm on South China Sea
The US has increasingly urged China, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines to keep calm in a region where maritime clashes have become a nearly daily threat since April.
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By fearing rise of Al Qaeda in Syria, US ignores greater threat: inaction
Focusing on Al Qaeda’s potential for exploiting the Syrian conflict distracts from the rapidly mounting costs of US inaction. If the US continues to sit on the sidelines as the human toll rises, it could face a decidedly anti-American government in Damascus, jihadists in power or not.
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Syrian crisis: the case for the US to intervene now – or not
Senate hawks urge a swift US military response to Syria's deepening conflict, citing humanitarian concerns and US security interests, including the regime's chemical weapons. Critics ask: Is it possible to end the fighting on acceptable terms?
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Syria resolution defeated at UN. Does that free up US to act on its own?
For the third time since the crisis began, Russia and China teamed up to defeat a UN Security Council resolution on Syria. The US may now pursue 'action outside of the council.'
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Opinion: Push in Congress to ban biofuels in military has big long-term costs
The US armed services is working hard to wean itself off of fossil fuels and foreign oil. Yet some in Congress, for short-term savings, want to ban them from purchasing biofuels. Cutting investments in long-term solutions like alternative fuel will cost America dearly in the future.
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Editor's Blog
Does nation-building work?The term "nation-building" smacks of colonialism. But when war has broken a country, nation-building is a moral duty -- and the best way to build is with equal parts outside and inside effort.
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Opinion: Secretary Panetta, Afghanistan needs a peace settlement, not more war
US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta arrived in Afghanistan, where US policy has been mostly military. Washington continues to view Afghanistan through the lens of war when it most needs peace – a negotiated settlement with insurgents and neighboring states like India and Pakistan.
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Focus
NATO summit: Who will foot the bill for long-term Afghanistan security?A war-weary US faces off with wary NATO allies in Chicago about money and support for Afghanistan after US combat troops withdraw in 2014. Don't expect any "Mission Accomplished" speeches.
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Afghanistan security for less? How low can NATO go?
As NATO leaders convene for the weekend summit in Chicago, one pressing issue is whether, and how much, the post-NATO-withdrawal Afghan security forces can be pared down to save money.
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Terrorism & Security
Philippines feels the economic cost of standing up to ChinaThe South China Sea dispute between China and the Philippines is beginning to take its toll on the Philippine economy, which is heavily dependent on Chinese demand for its exports.
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The PTA arrives in Mexico's schools
Parent-teacher associations are the face of the US public school system, but it is only recently that parents are starting to penetrate the hallways of Mexico's schools.
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Ayatollah Khamenei gives Iran nuclear talks unprecedented legitimacy
Iran's supreme leader appears much more involved in current nuclear negotiations, meaning that any deal struck will not face resistance back in Iran. But he's also likely to press for a harder line.
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Osama bin Laden raid documents available online today
Documents recovered from Osama bin Laden's Pakistan compound will show bin Laden's strategy for overthrowing Afghanistan.
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