Commentary

Upfront Blog A headline worth a thousand words

Distilling the essence of a story down to two or three words in 80-point type can be a challenge under any circumstance. When it comes to politics, it takes even more deftness.
Readers Respond Readers write: Valuable college experience and tech opportunities

Letters to the editor for the Jan. 21, 2019 weekly magazine.

Global Newsstand Global Newsstand: Thailand should not impede those who are seeking asylum, and more

A roundup of global commentary for the Jan. 21, 2019 weekly magazine.
The Monitor's View A bolt of integrity in a big African election

In a surprise, the African Union intervenes in Congo to ensure a transparent vote count. The bloc could not ignore a rigged election – or the demand of young Africans for accountable governance.

Photos of the Week 01/21 Photos of the week

A shark named Deep Blue, one of the largest recorded great white sharks, swims off Hawaii on Jan. 15.

The Monitor's View For Europe, a push against the violence of hate

The Continent can learn from Poland’s reaction to the killing of a mayor and the many ways to counter a rise in hate speech.
The Monitor's View In Indonesia, honesty has been a good catch

A president’s success in tackling one major theft of public resources – illegal fishing – is a model for his campaign against corruption and for a global fight against fish poaching.
The Monitor's View Justice served on internet gambling

A legal opinion by the Justice Department reinstates a long-held interpretation of a 1961 law against gambling by electronic means. States moving toward online gaming should take note.
The Monitor's View When big nations need a little tête-à-tête

France’s president, besieged by protests, initiates a national dialogue to gather ideas and form a new ‘contract.’ Has listening become key to political leadership?
Upfront Blog One final ‘Top 10’: best of Monitor journalism

We looked through all our work last year and found 10 stories that most embodied the Monitor’s desire to uplift, enlighten, and improve through journalism. And we thought, why not share?
Readers Respond Readers write: News from Iraq, religion and faith, working together, local mongooses, and a special issue

Letters to the editor for the Jan. 14, 2019 weekly magazine.
Global Newsstand Global Newsstand: Political elites don’t understand that populist victories are still democratic, and more

A roundup of global commentary for the Jan. 14, 2019 weekly magazine.
The Monitor's View Behold Greeks giving thanks

Instead of reviling Germany’s leader for imposed austerity during a visit, Greece showed some gratitude. That has helped bilateral ties become based on trust and partnership.
The Monitor's View Renewing German-French vows for Europe

With the EU splintering on its edges, the original founders plan to better integrate their two peoples as a model of friendship for the rest of Europe.
The Monitor's View Breaking Latin America’s migration driver

The region needs fresh attempts at curbing gang violence, as Brazil’s new leader is learning. The promise, as he says, is that ‘good will beat evil.’

Monitor's Best: Top 5