Values Behind the News (2021–2025)
Explore an archive of stories published in The Christian Science Monitor under a four-year Values initiative. This project sought to highlight the values that drive people and nations, discover a deeper perspective that unites rather than divides, and connect you to why the story matters.
LATEST STORIES
Community‘Something to tap into’: Ballet school shows Kenyans that dance is for everyoneFor former professional dancer Mike Wamaya, there’s nothing out of the ordinary about children from the Kibera settlement dancing ballet.
CommunityTheir communities survived stigma and shame. Can they survive without USAID?On July 1, USAID was formally dissolved. In Uganda and Congo, that loss of funding has also broken apart communities that relied on it.
PeaceFor Eurasian foes, peace over reprisalAn accord between Armenia and Azerbaijan can help a conflict-ridden region move beyond a history of ethnic hostility and toward economic progress.
BALANCE
The effort to find a harmony between extremes, not to avoid confrontation or make bold ideas blander or more palatable.
Social media self-control among studentsStudents are seeking to better manage their engagement with cellphone and social media use, with practical strategies and shared reflection.
Everest is ‘the pride of the world.’ Locals want the world to back off a bit.The world has a fascination with Mount Everest – one that brings both money and destruction to Nepal's Himalayan region. Now, long-awaited regulations could transform how the mountain operates.
With Lee’s election, South Korea returns to ‘pragmatic’ diplomacyThe election of Lee Jae-myung heralds a foreign policy shift for South Korea as the country seeks to balance its critical U.S. security alliance with a more pragmatic, amicable approach to China.
Podcast: Why We Wrote This ‘Progress’ can be dirty business. Our climate writer looks into the trade-offs.A lot of technology, including some that makes us “greener,” calls for practices like mining and carries upfront costs for the environment. Its regular use slurps resources. But it also makes us productive and provides essential support. A conversation about being intentional and staying open to perspectives.
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.
Podcast: Why We Wrote This ‘Severance’: Our writer probes a way-out series about work with meaningBy now you probably either are all in on the Apple TV+ series that feels like “Black Mirror” meets “Office Space,” or have walled it off. On the eve of the Season 2 finale of “Severance,” we had a no-spoilers chat with our senior culture writer about why, for some, the dark show resonates.
COMMUNITY
The coming together of individuals or groups to form bonds of fellowship that strengthen and enrich themselves and those around them.
- ‘Something to tap into’: Ballet school shows Kenyans that dance is for everyoneFor former professional dancer Mike Wamaya, there’s nothing out of the ordinary about children from the Kibera settlement dancing ballet.
- Their communities survived stigma and shame. Can they survive without USAID?On July 1, USAID was formally dissolved. In Uganda and Congo, that loss of funding has also broken apart communities that relied on it.
Braille libraries offer community. What happens when funding cuts close them?Braille and talking book libraries are a lifeline for people who are blind. But budget cuts mean these services face an uncertain future. How are staff working to help patrons stay connected to reading, education, and daily life?
Should Israeli military defend Syrian Druze? Israel’s Druze are divided.Amid sectarian violence in Syria in which hundreds of Druze were killed, Israel struck Damascus and issued a warning to the new government. Israeli Druze are mourning the deaths, but are divided over whether Israeli military action is the wisest course.
Borders divided this West African community. Soccer is reuniting it.A century ago, colonial borders divided the Borgu people between Benin and Nigeria. Today, soccer is reuniting them.
Arab music hits a high note in EuropeAnti-Muslim and anti-immigrant sentiments are on the rise across the continent. By reclaiming and reimagining their rich musical traditions, Middle Eastern immigrant artists are finding new ways to connect across cultures.
COMPASSION
An unselfish love that embraces others.
Heart-to-heart change in AfghanistanA tragedy of mass deportation has triggered mass charity among Afghans, opening doors for dialogue with the Taliban.
‘Bless that corner.’ A Chicago crossing guard marks 50 years.For half a century, Eugenia Phillips has been ushering schoolchildren to safety at intersections across the Windy City. That’s 50 years of Chicago winters. Fifty years of new student faces.
At Israeli protest for hostage release, Gaza’s children are in spotlight now, tooDuring war, empathy can be elusive. But the growing number of children in Gaza who have been killed is prompting a moral reckoning for some Israelis.
Why Iraq gives Syria a handBy welcoming Syria’s new leader – a former Al Qaeda terrorist – Iraq shows a generosity born of its own violent past to lift a neighbor emerging from conflict.
Neighborly care for absentee studentsNew York City will enlist parents in a community to contact other parents whose kids often skip school and then link them to services. The premise: Parents really do love their children.
Mexico leans into an essential truthFor the mothers wanting details of missing loved ones, a president’s nod to their cause helps a nation seeking answers to ending cartel violence.
COOPERATION
The effort to work together, respecting the diverse strengths and views in others.
Despite differences on Gaza and Iran, Trump and Netanyahu project unityWhile the two leaders have made efforts to emphasize their cooperation, Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu offer different visions of Gaza and Iran. Nevertheless, the White House dinner Monday night presented a harmonious tableau.
At NATO summit, anxious Europeans extend a hand to placate TrumpDespite tensions over Iran and disagreements over Ukraine, European members of NATO think they can deliver enough of what President Trump wants at the summit to keep him committed to the alliance and European security.
A more inclusive G7 finds a way to work around US objectionsThe United States posed an obstacle to solidarity at the Group of Seven summit. But under Canada’s guidance, the group was able to make progress.
A new anchor for ocean protectionSupport rises for a “high seas” treaty to govern marine resources, adding to similar protections for both the land and oceans.
Their parties were fierce rivals. Now they rule South Africa together.South Africa’s unlikely coalition government has survived a year. Few thought that possible.
In a parched Syria, a path to plentySix months after liberation from a dictator, Syrians not only are aiming for democracy, but also must find solutions for a severe drought. That crisis may be a unifying moment.
COURAGE
The honest struggle to overcome fear and suffering from a desire to do right. Hatred and anger are not courage.
Exiled by war, Sudan’s women find freedom from female genital mutilationExiled from their country by civil war, Sudanese mothers in Egypt are refusing to subject their daughters to female genital mutilation (FGM).
In the new Medal of Honor museum, courage lives in every roomWhat makes someone courageous? The Monitor spoke with Chris Cassidy, one of the leaders of the National Medal of Honor Museum, about recipients of the U.S. award – and how available courage is to everyone.
Gaza journalists’ challenging mission: Report on the war, and survive itGaza journalists reporting on the war in their homeland often find themselves accused by Israel of ties to Hamas, and the targets of airstrikes.
Rebels with a robot: ‘Rule Breakers’ celebrates Afghan girls who dared to dreamA celebration of the bravery and ingenuity of the Afghan girls robotics team contrasts with the reality of Afghanistan’s women under Taliban repression.
Facing relentless Russia, Ukraine confronts shortages of men and moraleAs the Russia-Ukraine war grinds toward its third anniversary, Ukrainian morale is low amid shortages of military support from European allies and America under Donald Trump.
Ukraine’s Pokrovsk was about to fall to Russia 2 months ago. It’s hanging on.The story of the grinding Russian-Ukrainian land battle is one of an imbalance of forces and supplies, mostly in Russia’s favor. Yet Ukraine finds ways to defy the odds, at least for a while.
CREATIVITY
The application of inventiveness, originality, and imagination to address a problem or produce something fresh.
For this inspiring Ukrainian opera, the show must go on – undergroundKharkiv, one of Europe’s great cultural centers, is regularly pummeled by Russian strikes. Yet its bomb-shelter national opera house serves as a beacon of stubborn faith.
Stand-ups won’t sit down in ChinaWhile overtly political comedy can spell trouble, stand-up comics – including an increasing number of women – are finding creative ways to question restrictive norms.
Liberation through music – in prisonWrite an aria? Check. Learn music theory? Check. Master a sound board? Check. Incarcerated individuals are finding the universal language of music provides redemption and key life skills.
Nobody’s muse: Revisiting the art of Leonora CarringtonFor her unique vision, artist and writer Leonora Carrington is among a number of creative women being celebrated anew.- Podcast: Why We Wrote This ‘Severance’: Our writer probes a way-out series about work with meaning
By now you probably either are all in on the Apple TV+ series that feels like “Black Mirror” meets “Office Space,” or have walled it off. On the eve of the Season 2 finale of “Severance,” we had a no-spoilers chat with our senior culture writer about why, for some, the dark show resonates.
Idina Menzel’s new Broadway show has a towering co-star: Stella the treeWhen Idina Menzel is in a musical, she is one of the most talked-about stars onstage. In her latest, “Redwood,” Stella, a massive tree, is vying for top billing.
DIGNITY
An inherent quality or worth that cannot be degraded.
An Arab light on a Hamas-free GazaMuch of the Muslim world has asked Hamas to end its governance, perhaps initiating freedom for a people who already embrace their individual sovereignty and right to self-governance.
Upturns and U-turns in UkraineA rising civic maturity, forged by war, has driven young people to protest a law weakening safeguards against corruption. A shift in values has put the president on the spot.
For Gaza and Israel, a push for ‘spiritual diplomacy’When world clergy meet in September, they will bring the power of prayer and interfaith harmony to conflicts like the one in Gaza.
A light of dignity in New York’s Central ParkA new community sports and outdoor complex, including a pool, opens in a once-neglected corner of the park, reclaiming a civic belonging and recognition for nearby neighborhoods.
What happens when the world sees children differentlyThe decline in child labor over a quarter century speaks to both citizen activism and a shift in views on what children stand for.
Syria’s path of justice and mercyConcern over the country splitting apart may be headed off by an attempt at national reconciliation through two commissions probing past atrocities.
EQUALITY
The effort to ensure everyone has the same opportunity to thrive and be treated with respect.
Ukraine’s tools for voteless democracyAs Russia squeezes its citizens into submission, Ukrainians rely on a spirit of equality and respect to maintain legitimate governance. One tool: e-petitions to the president’s inbox.
An economy in India lifted by womenWith its business-friendly models, India’s south is a hub for tech growth. But an emphasis on women’s inclusion may be a big reason for the progress.
A welcome mat for Europe’s RomaThe long-stigmatized minority, which originated in India, won a victory with the appointment of the first Romani minister under a new president in Romania.
South Africans reimagine identity through sportsA world win for the country’s multiracial cricket team, led by its first Black captain, moves the conversation beyond labels of race and color.
A 6-cents-a-day school in Nigeria turns students into strivers and problem-solversThe Knowledge, Solutions, Skills, and Kreativity school on the outskirts of Nigeria’s capital provides six years of learning for students who would otherwise be unable to afford it.
This judge grew up with nothing. Now he makes sure that children have books.Judge Omar Weslati helped start a library for students in Bir El Euch, Tunisia. Other libraries soon followed.
FAIRNESS
The effort to base decisions and judgments on impartial fact and proof without bias toward one group or viewpoint.
Why Europe’s trade deal with the US might be better than it seemsMany Europeans feel they came out on the losing end of the new U.S.-EU trade deal. Analysts say it needs to be understood within Mr. Trump’s broader relationship with Europe.
Lesotho makes Trump’s polo shirts. He could destroy their garment industry.Lesotho faces one of the highest tariff threats lodged by the Trump administration. No one in the tiny African nation can figure out why.
The Istanbul mayor’s arrest, and rise of a ‘new model’ of Turkish autocracyTurkey’s next presidential election is in 2028, so why would the mayor of Istanbul, a Recep Tayyip Erdoğan rival, be arrested now? One reason: The autocratic Mr. Erdoğan fears a loosening hold on voters.
Why Europe is still embracing DEIEuropean businesses lag behind the United States in employee diversity, equity, and inclusion, but there are no signs they are following Donald Trump’s policy.
Ahead of Tanzania’s election, Maasai fight to stay putWhen Tanzania’s government asked the Maasai to cast their ballots in the November election hundreds of miles from home, many rose up in protest.
Apology but no cash payments: California reparations for slavery start incrementallyA $12 million legislative package of reparations for slavery’s effects is an incremental first step by California, and considered a national model.
FORGIVENESS
An overcoming of resentment or a desire for vengeance in the face of injustice. It never excuses wrong behavior.
Called to lead Europe, Germany weighs its national guilt. Is it time to move on?How Germany processes its Nazi history is an increasingly pressing concern. For many, the question is how to move on without forgetting the past.
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.
Syria’s path to innocenceThe Arab country’s new leaders join citizens and civil society organizations in establishing justice on a basis of forgiveness.
Thanksgiving as forgivingAn official apology to Native Americans – and a response of forgiveness – can help create the possibility of a mutual feeling of justice.
Look who seeks Ethiopia’s postwar healingLocal communities start the process of justice and reconciliation two years after one of Africa’s worst wars.
This artist turned a forgiveness journey into a film – with the help of Steven SpielbergAs his new movie debuts, artist Titus Kaphar reflects on what it takes to arrive at forgiveness – and to share it with the world.
FREEDOM
The unhindered expression of universal rights, qualities, and dignity. Freedom expands rights rather than pitting one against another.
A ‘truce’ over free speech in Iran?Following a public outcry, the president has pulled back an internet censorship bill. Can this move help repair Iranians’ trust in government?
Ukraine’s spiritual culture on the front linesA Russian strike on a cathedral sacred to Ukrainian identity results in quick restoration – and a message that “evil ... will not prevail.”
Iran’s opening for libertyThe war shifted the debate among Iranians about the ability of individuals to chart a new course for the country.
Despite lingering taboos, more Filipinas are choosing to be child-freeAmid economic and political instability at home and abroad, a growing number of young women in the Philippines are breaking social taboos and making the decision to not have children.
Casting an eye on freedom in IranThis year’s Palme d’Or award at the Cannes Film Festival put a spotlight on Iranians’ aspirations, artistry, and fierce independence of thought in confronting a repressive government.
Students toppled a dictator. Now they must help remake Bangladesh.Pro-democracy students helped oust Bangladesh’s autocratic leader. Now the country is grappling with how it sees its past – and defines its future.
GENEROSITY
An expression of compassion that gives of one’s own gifts – a sharing of abundance or charity despite hardship.
Disaster relief volunteers in Japan are helping to entrench a culture of compassionNonprofit groups and throngs of volunteers acting on their own have played a key role in aiding disaster victims in this temblor-prone country.
The Dalai Lama’s real worth in ChinaThe Buddhist leader’s decision to arrange a successor for Tibetans outside Beijing’s control only shows the power of faith these days among the Chinese.
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.
Why the seismic giving to Myanmar?A country hit by a massive quake finds itself the recipient of a global competition to deliver aid in natural disasters. Generosity, even with selfish motives, can trigger generosity.
Politics of love in Turkey’s protestsDespite his arrest, the leading opposition figure urges peaceful action and the embrace of opponents in the face of rising autocracy.
A refresh for foreign aidCuts in foreign aid by Europe and the U.S. are forcing recipient nations to question a dependency mentality and discover local solutions.
GRATITUDE
The deep recognition or appreciation of goodness or generosity in others.
Why the thanks for German tanksTiny Lithuania on the Russian border welcomed the first permanent deployment of German forces on foreign soil since World War II. Germany welcomed the gratitude for its transformation into a trusted leader of Europe.
Podcast: Why We Wrote This Feast mode: Our food writer serves up a complicated holiday’s history and hitsThere are the skirmishes over fresh cranberries or canned, turkey or tofu. There may be conflicting opinions about aspects of the first-Thanksgiving story or the latest political news. But from food culture’s evolution to shifting family dynamics, it all works best when gratitude gets its seat at the table.
The delights of US democracyLocal celebrations of the election process help remind Americans of democracy’s resiliency while boosting their well-being.
As summer wanes, I'm chasing flickers of nostalgia by the campfireI yearned for my childhood summers by the lake. With my son, I have a chance to revisit that enchantment.
He sought asylum. She was seeking to help. Friday, he graduated from law school.At a time of increasing news avoidance by people who feel depressed by conflicts and calamities, news engagement can have the potential to do something very different: inspire and transform lives.
Kharkiv hails Biden’s OK to strike inside Russia: ‘We’ve been waiting’Throughout the war in Ukraine, a recurring theme has been Kyiv’s gratitude for U.S. military aid tinged with impatience over its timeliness. President Biden’s decision to allow some use of U.S. weapons against targets in Russia fits the pattern.
HONESTY
A commitment to truth that challenges oneself and others to look at issues deeply, without deceit or bias.
The pandemic divided the US. Could a full accounting help the nation heal?Why a diverse range of voices says a pandemic reckoning is needed – and how to get there.
A digital iron curtain in Russia?A new state-controlled app is being pushed on Russians, perhaps to end their access to the truth of the war. Ukrainians, meanwhile, are winning in truth-telling.
Spain weighs a leader’s apologiesA corruption scandal engulfs a prime minister who tries to make amends. Europe watches as Spaniards balance mercy and justice.
Argentina’s win for clean governanceA high court affirms the sentencing of a former president for corruption, marking another reform boosting public confidence in government accountability.
Mongolia’s young people right the shipProtests against corruption fell a prime minister and reveal a generation shaping accountable, transparent governance.
In Romania, clean politics clean upA surprise win for a graft-fighting candidate to be the next president shows the top priority of young Romanians. All the better to fend off Russian influence.
HOPE
The earnest expectation of good, no matter the circumstances.
In Johannesburg, a library sparks hope for the city’s futureJohannesburg’s central library recently reopened after a five-year closure, a signal of the city’s revival after years of decline.
‘Sold ... a dream’: Young Senegalese sour on the president they choseYoung Senegalese voters were a driving force behind Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s victory in last year’s presidential election. Now, many are disillusioned.
Hate chased a Holocaust survivor off TikTok. His message is still: Seek hope.In an online world filled with vitriol, Holocaust survivor and grandfather Gidon Lev continues to be a social media influencer who tries to teach where hate can lead, with a mix of stories, dancing, and humor.
Iraqis hope for an era of peace. Their neighbors hold the key.Iraqi territory has often been a proxy field for others’ battles. But as Turkey talks with the Kurds, and the U.S. engages Iran, Iraqi leaders and citizens are daring to look to an era of progress and stability.
Why a $4 bicycle repair signals hope for Syria’s postwar economyAfter over a decade of civil war, and several months since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, small investments by Syrian families signal hope for the economy’s future.
Syria’s new flag is everywhere: ‘Everyone wants to touch freedom’Syrians rally around their old/new flag, a symbol of pride, hope, and freedom that rode into Damascus with the rebels who overthrew the Assad regime. It adorns everything.
HUMILITY
Free from pride or arrogance; not impotent or subservient.
Latin America’s model of modest leadershipThe region’s response to the death of a beloved former president in Uruguay underscores how that nation’s values have inspired democratic norms across the Americas.
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.
Bigger machine, bigger thinkingA European plan to build the world’s largest particle accelerator has sparked questions about humility and the frontiers of thinking in physics.
A humble heart in the Dodgers dynastyMookie Betts shows courage and unselfishness in switching to one of baseball’s most difficult field positions.
Germany jumps mental hurdlesNew leaders plan to break taboos on military spending and fiscal restraint. One reason that made this possible: the country’s hard work for postwar reconciliation.
A defeat for terrorism in the MideastThe founder of a Kurdish armed insurgency calls for his fighters to disarm and dissolve, reflecting a trend against terrorism in the Mideast and for democracy.
INNOVATION
The search for new ways to find solutions and discoveries.
Lost your USAID funding? These aid matchmakers have a solution.Project Resource Optimization is connecting formerly US-funded aid projects – including one providing clean water in Nigeria – to new donors.
In this Ukrainian workshop, ordinary cars become battlefield ambulancesWith emergency vehicles in short supply in Ukraine, volunteers are building armored ambulances to carry medics and soldiers around the battlefield.
Podcast: Why We Wrote This Can a chaotic city spawn orderly ‘satellites’? We went to Kenya to find out.It’s hard to give big cities a reset, even when they appear to need one. What about a fresh slate – a new urban center, not a suburb – just outside city limits? Our writer traveled to two of Nairobi’s new offshoots. She joins our podcast to talk about the assignment.
Africa’s tech comes of ageThe world’s youngest continent finds that its adaptation skills and curiosity create entrepreneurs who can be globally competitive.
Two brothers use mangoes to help break the hunger cycle in a Ugandan villageThe nonprofit Mango Project is addressing food waste in a village that has a bounty of mangoes.
INTEGRITY
The commitment to acting honestly and according to high principles of compassion, responsibility, and fairness.
South Africa’s hints of clean governanceCorruption in high places remains a test for the country. Yet officials have scored some wins against graft and fraud, an opportunity to renew trust and civic values.
A clean shelter from Russian stormsLike its neighbor Ukraine, tiny Moldova fights off Moscow, only it must battle the influence of money from Russia – through anti-corruption reforms.
Civic awakening among young KenyansLike their peers the world over, Kenyan youth value accountability, transparency, and justice. They’re using tech savvy to organize and hold their government to democratic standards.
Gentle ways to deal with illegal migrationEven as Los Angeles is now a battleground over migrant issues, the U.S. has joined hands with the United Nations in assisting the voluntary return of unauthorized migrants to their home countries. It’s an opening for consensus.
The integrity behind ethical AIOne company’s transparency about character flaws in its artificial intelligence was a reality check for an industry trying to ensure high values in AI.
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.
JOY
A happiness whose genuineness and radiance brightens others.
‘Green time’ over screen time: The Greenagers group gets youths to love the outdoorsA transformative program in western Massachusetts helps young people learn the value of stewarding the land, while also taking joy in conservation.
A lift for LA as iconic Getty Villa Museum reopens, scarred but intact after firesThe Getty Villa Museum in Los Angeles, notable for its ancient art, has reopened to the public after post-wildfire cleanup and restoration of its grounds.
This restaurateur never made it past fifth grade. Now she runs a roadside library.The owner of a popular pit stop in Ozar, India, keeps her business stacked with books that are free for the browsing.
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.
Valerie June’s new music embraces joy and the healing power of soulful musicWith the arrival of Valerie June’s latest album comes a chance for the singer to reflect on her artistic journey – and how music fuels her, and the world.
From Russia, with joyBreaking one of hockey’s biggest records – all-time goals scored – took more than talent for Alexander Ovechkin. He also exudes humility and a love of the game.
JUSTICE
The effort to ensure the fair and moral treatment of everyone. Honesty and reformation create the conditions for restoration.
The Supreme Court may have entered a new phase. Call it the emergency era.The court reached the end of June having issued almost twice as many emergency orders as it did merits opinions. Is this an anomaly, or the start of a new normal?
A lean-in for truth in Serbia over a massacreOn the 30th anniversary of a genocide of Muslims in Europe, it is Muslims in Serbia pushing pro-democracy Serbs to admit the ethno-nationalism roots of their current government.
A fog lifts over Turkey’s rift with KurdsInitial steps to end a long war for Kurdish independence come with signs of national reconciliation. The first step: Each side admits its wrongs.
An apology opens a way to national healingA presidential apology for Liberia’s past wars renews efforts at reconciliation. Can the African nation balance justice and mercy?
After French trial verdicts come down, victims ask: Is 20 years in prison justice?In France, criminals generally serve concurrent sentences. That’s frustrating the many, many victims of convicted rapist Joël Le Scouarnec.
What Europeans hold dearA survey finds rule of law so popular in the European Union that it ranks higher than climate action – and justifies sanctions on errant EU states like Hungary.
PEACE
The calm achieved in the struggle to overcome strife or find personal meaning. It is not achieved merely through force or avoidance.
- For Eurasian foes, peace over reprisalAn accord between Armenia and Azerbaijan can help a conflict-ridden region move beyond a history of ethnic hostility and toward economic progress.
A youthful force for peaceWars weigh heavily on young people. Yet more youth activists are addressing conflict and its causes in their communities – framing conversations around what peace would look like.
When art sews friendship between foesIn lending the 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry to Britain, France uses a rich visual depiction of a war to weave a peace built over centuries.
How esports can farm peaceThe global popularity of video gaming as an official sport has brought Israelis to Saudi Arabia. Is this a glimpse of a new Mideast?
Colombians rally behind a tested democracyA high-profile assassination attempt and an alleged coup plot compel political leaders to unite in favor of national healing.
In the line of fire, Arab states urge Trump to de-escalate Israel-Iran warDespite their competition for regional influence, Arab states are not rooting for the Iranian regime’s fall. Led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, they are urging President Trump to seek a ceasefire, and a return to business-friendly regional stability.
PROSPERITY
The thriving of people or communities. It can involve monetary wealth but points more deeply to well-being.
What makes Finland the ‘world’s happiest nation’? In a word, simplicity.Finland has ranked the world’s happiest country for years. But Finnish happiness isn’t about joy. It’s based on unusual contentment and reassuredness.
China’s mental shift on deflationFalling prices for electric cars and other signs of deflation have led China’s ruling party to challenge an economic mindset, which has led to the distorting market effects of subsidies.
Local, organic, and bipartisan: How Vermont is challenging Big FoodFarmers in Vermont are trying to build a sustainable local economy for agricultural products. Americans across the political spectrum want it to work.
Across Arab Mideast, a new alignment rises: An axis of cooperationA new regional alignment rising in the Middle East shifts power away from Iran’s “Axis of Resistance.” Moderate Sunnis seeking stability and prosperity now have friendly governments in Beirut, Damascus, and Baghdad.
Why Harvard and other colleges are fighting for ‘essential freedom’The oldest university in the United States is now leading a charge to protect not just research but also the First Amendment, with other colleges and universities lining up behind it.
Trump and Xi test rival styles of strongman leadership in tariff warThe U.S.-China trade war could be decided by leaders’ differing styles. Mr. Trump acts on impulse, Mr. Xi prefers the pursuit of strategic goals.
RESILIENCE
The strength expressed by people and communities in recovering from difficulties. It involves victories – small or large – amid adversity.
- For this inspiring Ukrainian opera, the show must go on – undergroundKharkiv, one of Europe’s great cultural centers, is regularly pummeled by Russian strikes. Yet its bomb-shelter national opera house serves as a beacon of stubborn faith.
Can independent news outlets in Ukraine survive loss of USAID funding?USAID funding helped nurture new independent media outlets in Ukraine to play their part in strengthening democracy. Now there are concerns about a return to the days of media dominated by oligarchs, political parties, and the state.
In Boston and beyond, Tibetans in exile keep their culture aliveBoston’s tight-knit Tibetan community is a microcosm of Tibetans living in exile around the world – communities that have fostered a sense of cultural resilience across generations.- A lift for LA as iconic Getty Villa Museum reopens, scarred but intact after firesThe Getty Villa Museum in Los Angeles, notable for its ancient art, has reopened to the public after post-wildfire cleanup and restoration of its grounds.
Gazans fear being forgotten: ‘They keep bombing. We keep dying.’Palestinians in Gaza say they are contending daily with deadly air strikes and widespread hunger. But they fear the world is looking away, as the Israel-Iran war pushed the Israel-Hamas war from front pages.
NATO eyes the essence of securityThe 32-country transatlantic military alliance will decide if today’s conflicts and challenges demand spending on nontraditional defenses – and democratic values.
RESPECT
An appreciation for others’ efforts or principles that promotes cooperation instead of anger or distrust. It does not excuse wrongdoing.
Glimmers of civil compromise in CongressAmid political divides and posturing, a group of representatives are pursuing compromise on hot-button immigration issues. And others are seeking to make bipartisanship the norm rather than the exception.
Montana puts ‘red’ and ‘blue’ values in housingIn the state with the least affordable homes, lawmakers and citizens of different ideologies unite on reforms to lower prices, setting a model for nonpartisan solutions.
Cannes debuts something different: Lower tolerance for sexual violenceA few years ago, the French film industry feted male actors and directors accused of sexual abuse by female peers. But now that seems to have changed.
Why Japan, South Korea inch closerWill their troops work together to save democracy in Asia? Perhaps. Meanwhile, an election in South Korea reveals a shift toward reconciliation.
Sovereignty for Colombia’s Indigenous peopleBy granting autonomy to Indigenous groups, the government promotes peace and protects the environment.
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.
RESPONSIBILITY
Fulfilling a duty to act from high motives, with due consideration for the care of oneself and others.
Kashmiris leverage social media to revive a language on the brink of extinctionThe efforts of two Kashmiri content creators represent a quiet resurgence for the Kashmiri language.
Air North: Why Canada’s Yukon loves its local airlineWhen is an airline more than an airline? When it’s a source of civic pride like the homegrown Air North, in the Canadian territory of Yukon.- Podcast: Why We Wrote This ‘Progress’ can be dirty business. Our climate writer looks into the trade-offs.
A lot of technology, including some that makes us “greener,” calls for practices like mining and carries upfront costs for the environment. Its regular use slurps resources. But it also makes us productive and provides essential support. A conversation about being intentional and staying open to perspectives.
With ‘Green Islam,’ climate action is a religious duty – and an act of communityCiting the Quran and emphasizing religious duty, Indonesia’s “Green Islam” movement teaches Muslims to be better stewards of the Earth.
In Syria’s terrorized Alawite region, competing narratives, mutual suspicionsSyria’s Alawite minority considers March 7 the start of a genocidal campaign. In the eyes of the Sunni majority, it marked operations to quash a coup. Ensuring justice and preventing further killings will be a key test for the new Syria.
In Yemen, activists seek to restore rubble-strewn sanctuary for migrating birdsFor centuries, Yemen’s coastal wetlands played host to each year to flocks of migrating birds. But civil war has left the ecosystem in dire straits.
SAFETY
The belonging and freedom from fear that come with peace and trust. Safety strengthens as it expands, not harming one at the expense of another.
Mexico’s smart moves for safetyAmid new agreements with the U.S., President Claudia Sheinbaum is balancing domestic and international challenges while combating crime and corruption.
Why deadly clashes in Druze province are so threatening to Syrian unityThe eruption of violence in the majority-Druze Syrian province of Suwayda, the second-worst outbreak of sectarian strife since the fall of the Assad regime, is challenging the delicate balance the young Damascus government is trying to maintain.
‘It’s everyone’s business.’ In Finland, national security is a shared responsibility.National security in Finland is a society-wide effort that goes beyond the military. Under the shadow of Russian aggression, Europe is taking a look.
In Syria, unexploded ordnance prolongs the casualties of an ended warRebuilding Syria is proving a potentially lethal task, as streets and farmland are seeded with unexploded land mines – with children and civilians in harm’s way.
In Canada’s Arctic, national security is a military and civic responsibilityWith climate change thawing the Arctic, Canada is boosting security by spending on both military and northern communities to bolster regional safety.
Reporting child abuse can bring shame in Pakistan. This group is transcending taboos.The nonprofit Rozan was set up in 1998 with the goal of eradicating domestic violence from Pakistani society.
TRANSFORMATION
A change driven by an honest desire to improve, which gives fresh strength and purpose.
These turtles are endangered. Young scientists have stepped up to help.Students in Hardwick, Massachusetts, are playing a crucial role in a long-running conservation program.
Why cities are safer: Caring and consequencesCollaboration among local government, police, and community groups has helped cut violent crime in many US cities. One essential: care that persuades individuals to care about their community.
In Kenya, humanitarian workers ponder life after USAIDIn Kenya, American aid workers fired during the Trump administration's purge of USAID ask themselves: What comes next?- Everest is ‘the pride of the world.’ Locals want the world to back off a bit.The world has a fascination with Mount Everest – one that brings both money and destruction to Nepal's Himalayan region. Now, long-awaited regulations could transform how the mountain operates.
As G7 host, Canada sees chance to forge a path untangled from USRelations between Ottawa and Washington have hit the skids. That is presenting Canada an opportunity to rebuild its global influence, including via the G7.
No country recognizes Somaliland’s independence. Why the US might.No country recognizes the sovereignty of Somaliland, a self-governing region of Somalia. The Trump administration might soon change that.
TRUST
Hope and confidence in a relationship that has demonstrated mutual respect.
Trump could help solve a long-running conflict Friday. It’s not Gaza or Ukraine.The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan are visiting the White House in hopes of a peace deal. As power in the region shifts, the U.S. could be key.
An inclusive Lebanon, one fewer gun at a timeFor the first time, the country’s leaders discuss a timetable for disarmament with Hezbollah, giving the militant group an opening to focus on a democratic path.
With Gaza suffering, Europe and Arab states take big diplomatic steps – togetherFor years, Arab states wanted Europe to recognize Palestine; Europe wanted Arab states to rein in Hamas. Now, they have stepped forward together to do something hard for each.
Syria’s Kurds want autonomy. Damascus wants unity. Can they find middle ground?A key challenge for postwar Syria is building trust between Arabs and Kurds. The security in Kurdish parts of Aleppo show how difficult that may be.
How to handle far-right politics? Finland has some suggestions.Many Western democracies are worried about far-right parties’ popularity. But some are finding that letting them into government actually brings them back to earth.
‘Fresh brewed news’: Community café offers locals a chance to sip with reportersIt’s no surprise that news outlets are struggling for both dollars and trust. In Camden, Maine, a local newspaper opened a café to welcome in the community.
