I clearly get the impression that Arafat has become an empty vessel. He can mouth the right words publically and privately, to stay alive. It is in the interests of all factions and sides that he exists, because w/o him there is no dialogue between the nations and no shield for the more radical factions.
And which faction has been utilizing swastikas? I've seen more photos of that lately and wonder who is so full of themselves that they publicly proclaim allegiance with Nazis, who harmed far more than the Jews? I can only imagine this comes from the 'young guard', too inexperienced to recognize the symbol as an affront to humanity.
Another thought to cross my mind is the false justification of religion in the promotion of violence. I wish someone, perhaps the Pope, would call together a meeting of religious leaders, Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, Jews at least, including the extremists among each, and initiate a dialogue that might permit mainstream moderates to pressure the extremists towards views more consistent with the sacred texts now being so misrepresented.
Some large convocation as that would certainly be listened to, and at the very least, would help keep current moderate believers from moving to the extremes.
I know FA is generally thought of as the work of governments, yet in crisis times, I should think a more proactive role by leaders of the world's major religions could prove enormously useful. |
