Topic: State University of New York System

Beyond Kony 2012, child soldiers are used in most civil wars

Kony 2012 campaign calls for plastering posters everywhere tonight. But the use of child soldiers goes far beyond warlord Kony and his LRA. It is the norm in most civil wars. Governments, too, use children to fight. One way to stop it: Deny military aid to these governments.

No child left alone: Volunteers mentor children of inmates

With 2.3 million inmates behind bars in the US, the goal of volunteers in mentor programs for the 2.7 million children of prisoners is: No child left alone. Despite government cuts in funding, the programs continue.

New York Police Department monitored Muslim students all over the Northeast

The New York Police Department monitored Muslim college students far more broadly than previously known, at schools far beyond the city limits, including the elite Ivy League colleges of Yale and the University of Pennsylvania, the Associated Press has learned.

Nigeria dispatches troops to north to stop Boko Haram attacks

The Christmas Day attack on a church is only the latest in string of attacks by the militant Islamist group Boko Haram, who has given Christians living in the north three days to leave the region. 

13 best 2011 author interviews

Authors covered topics from sandwiches to Shakespeare in 2011 Monitor Books interviews.

Did Troy Davis death-penalty case expose flaws in 'executive clemency'?

The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles stood firmly behind the 1991 murder conviction that put Troy Davis on death row. But the many doubts in the case have raised questions about 'executive clemency' as a fail-safe for the death penalty.

Feds warn colleges: handle sexual assault reports properly

The Obama administration has taken a tougher stance after federal officials saw problems at a number of schools. But some say the administration is taking things too far.

New York City storm surge: How high will the flood waters go?

New York City is bracing for a storm surge Sunday morning that could be four feet or more above the tides, according to storm surge models. It has evacuated parts of the city and shut down the airport and subways.

Saudi ban on women driving is against Islam

Saudi women protesting the ban on driving can point to the very genesis of Islam to defend their right to get behind the wheel: The wives of prophet Muhammad rode camels and horses and moved about independently.

If Canada's so strong, why isn't it buying more US goods?

US-Canada trade is back to prerecession levels. But the real growth in US – and Canadian – exports is coming from elsewhere.

France's burqa ban: A brave step that we Muslims should welcome

France’s ban on wearing the niqab in public defends secular society – and the rights of Muslim women like me. Liberals bemoan the ban's infringement on personal freedoms. But Islamists who mandate that women wear the veil are incorrectly interpreting the true message of the Quran.

In our silence, Muslim Americans essentially collaborate with the Islamists

Claims of 'McCarthyism' in the wake of the Peter King hearings threaten to suffocate a vital discourse on Islamism just when we need it most. Even as cries of 'Islamophobia' seek to smother debate, Muslim Americans must speak up, and out loud.

Japan nuclear plant in state of emergency, as cooling power runs low

A nuclear plant in Japan is said to declare a state of emergency, as backup power used to cool three reactors runs low. Help is on the way. 'It's a dicey situation,' says nuclear specialist in US.

Why senators are avoiding the Tea Party Caucus

Some tea party favorites stayed away from the Thursday's meeting of the new Senate Tea Party Caucus, as newly elected Republicans try to define themselves in Washington.

'Dancing with the Stars': Is tea party conspiracy helping Bristol Palin?

'Dancing with the Stars' judges are giving Bristol Palin low marks, but mama grizzly's tea party supporters may be keeping her swirling. What hath Election 2010 wrought?

JournoList: Is 'call them racists' a liberal media tactic?

JournoList was an informal online discussion group involving several hundred left-leaning journalists. In excerpts released Tuesday, some of their discussions appeared to veer toward collusion, from how to protect Barack Obama to how to tar conservative critics.

More workers quit their jobs, and that's good news for the economy

The economy responds to consumer fear and confidence, and confident workers quitting their jobs in search of something better signal to economists that things are looking up.

Is class conflict to blame for riots in Greece and 'Tea Party' movement?

From both the Marxian and the classical liberal perspective, class conflict may have a strong influence in events such as the riots in Greece and the 'Tea Party' movement.

How to beat partisan politics? Ask your state government.

To avoid gridlock and partisan politics look to your state government. The states increasingly hold the power and influence over Washington in shaping American law – from safety to energy to social justice.

Water conservation: Is it necessary in the Northeast?

Do homeowners in the Northeast – an area of plentiful water – need to conserve water?

Did US law spur Mexico's meth sales?

The US slowed production of meth by cutting off key ingredients. But a blow to US methamphetamine labs became a boon to La Familia drug gang in Mexico.

Oprah Winfrey: saint or mindless consumerist?

Oprah Winfrey’s announced departure from her daytime talk show has brought out her biggest fans and loudest critics.

Prime time's new season

With five hours of drama ditched for Jay Leno each week, TV insiders see a larger recalibration afoot.

The Internet as online confessional

As the number of sites inviting anonymous confessions grow, what do allthese revelations achieve?

Letters to Michelle Obama