Christian Science Monitor | Commentary

Medvedev vs. Putin? Mystery returns to the Kremlin.

24 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Is Medvedev the lapdog of Putin? Or is he biting his mentor's ankles? No one knows, which makes taking sides a dangerous guessing game, particularly for the White House.

Can Obama stand up to Israel?

24 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

It won't be easy, but President Obama must hold Israel to account, both for the two-state solution and the safety of US troops around the world.

Africa's new threat: Sudan at flash point

24 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Only quick, concerted international action can avert a nationwide war and keep the peace.

The agony of job creation

23 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Obama has wisely resisted various ideas in Congress to boost private hiring through direct government action. But there may be tax incentives that can work – with trade-offs.

Tempest over Thierry Henry's handball in Ireland-France soccer match: Get over it.

23 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Irish fans should give up their hopes of a rematch and simply accept, no matter how much it hurts, that France won by breaking the rules.

Senate health care bill: the five paragraphs you must read

23 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Buried in the Senate's 2,074-page health reform bill are provisions that undermine your health freedom and privacy.

Letters to the editor

20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Readers write about dressing children in camouflage, hurricane Katrina, Social Security, and Israel's stake in peace.

Welcome, to Mr. and Ms. Europe

20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

You probably never heard of the new president and foreign policy chief of the European Union – Belgian Herman Van Rompuy and Briton Catherine Ashton. That may be their strength.

The real reason Iran can't be trusted

20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

As they confront Iran's nuclear aims, negotiators must mind the Shiite doctrine of deceit called 'taqiyya.'

Let a child lose a game and learn to cope with failure

20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

If parents prime children only for success, how will they ever be able to survive in the real world?

Karzai's inauguration and Obama's demand for action on corruption

19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

The Karzai inauguration came with promises to fight graft. The US must be patient as long as he delivers.

How China and the US can boost the global economy

19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

China must allow currency to rise. The US must boost savings.

Obama, China, and wishful thinking about American jobs

19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

The disconnect between production and consumption threatens both China and America.

Health care and illegal immigrants in America: why Mexico is the key

19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Urging Mexico to strive for a better health care system could relieve the burden on US taxpayers.

Middle East peace: Can Palestinians do an end run around Israel?

18 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Palestinian leader Abbas tries to carry the Middle East peace process directly to the UN. But Israel's plans for 900 new homes in East Jerusalem only shows that it's just as willing to take unilateral action. No one wins when both sides refuse to negotiate.

The Fed is foolishly weakening the dollar

18 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Devaluing the dollar is spoiling global economic recovery. The Fed and President Obama must reject easy money and ever-larger deficits.

Twilight and New Moon: sexual longing in a world of vampire abstinence

18 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Twilight's Edward Cullen and the New Moon movie: What message do they really send?

Obama in China: Why not more US export jobs?

17 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

With 10.2 percent US unemployment, Obama in China should have pushed harder at trade barriers.

Obama's mission impossible with China

17 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

His challenge: form a working partnership with a resurgent nation that eschews international leadership.

Middle East peace: Is two-state solution kaput?

17 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

If a two-state deal isn't reached by 2011, then Palestinians should push for a one-state solution.

Sarah Palin as perpetual outsider in US politics?

16 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Once a rogue, always a rogue, unless she adopts a positive, ideas-rich style of leadership.

Obama's 'nuclear option' on China's yuan

16 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Selling US dollars at a lower price than the exchange rate would do much more to balance trade than pressuring Beijing.

Palin's populist book tour won't help GOP

16 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Instead of going rogue, Republicans should cultivate leadership in ideas and solutions.

Seven tests for the 9/11 trial

13 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

A civilian court faces a host of challenges to convict Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and others. And Obama's antiterror approach will also be on trial.

Letters to the editor

13 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Readers write in about the new war crimes ambassador, the rich heritage of Muslims, and the old bible tradition of gleaning.