Commentary | The Monitor's View
The inviting geniality of a front porchA large exhibit on how Americans use the porch serves as a reminder of how this public-private space can foster dialogue and neighborliness.
Women’s freedom to ride – and provideIn more countries, women are driving motorbikes, breaking social restrictions while helping other women find safe rides. They are finding new abilities and inner freedom as they support themselves and their families.
Syrians learn to bend and blendBouts of religious violence since December’s liberation from a dictator have not halted a historic desire for an inclusive society. “We learn together and we empower each other,” one minister explained.
The meekness behind human 'flourishing'A global survey by two American universities finds a link between a satisfying life and spiritual well-being. People in less-wealthy nations rank particularly high because of their regular religious engagement.
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Origins of Ukraine’s drone creativityIn a military milestone, a Ukrainian drone downed a Russian war jet. The source of the country’s culture of tech innovation is now a model.
Why water feuds seldom dissolve accordsDespite recent contention over fresh-water resources between countries, the global record is one of collaboration and shared oversight.
Where all tourists can be goodAs more cities rise up against an increasing number of “bad tourists,” places like Copenhagen find success in rewarding visitors for the ethical behavior they seek.
A Baltic beacon for freedom in EuropeEstonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are ahead of other European nations in boosting security safeguards. They learned from Soviet rule how to hold on to democratic ideals.
Why Europe doesn’t waste a crisisEach challenge, such as American tariffs or U.S. skimping on security, has tested the mettle of the continent in mending its tensions and living up to its values.
How integrity drives Sri Lanka’s reformsA public pursuit of better governance, as well as conditions set by an international lender, helps roll back an era of corruption.
Hugs of mercy in a Texas courtroomAfter a plea of guilty and his sentencing, a mass shooter receives acts of forgiveness from family members of victims. It was both healing and civilizing.
Kenya embraces refugees as partnersA new plan that integrates more than 800,000 refugees sees them as contributors, not burdens, to society.
In postwar Ethiopia, a stand on higher groundA potential for renewed war in Tigray state was averted after two former foes – the prime minister and a Tigrayan general – helped rebalance a peace deal that ended the deadly 2020-2022 war.
The climate legacy of a pope and a patriarchThe death of Pope Francis and an award for the Orthodox church leader bring praise for the holy men’s promotion of a spiritual dimension to climate issues.
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10 years ago, SCOTUS said same-sex couples could marry. Why do they worry today?
Nobody’s muse: Revisiting the art of Leonora Carrington
Called to lead Europe, Germany weighs its national guilt. Is it time to move on?
Difference MakerThis restaurateur never made it past fifth grade. Now she runs a roadside library.
As Israel blocks aid, Gaza’s mothers watch their children starve
