Where Are The Peacemakers ?

Where Are The Peacemakers ? # 26

2007-04-12T21:11:00.001-07:00

By Jerry Henderson

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God”
Matthew 5:9

Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007: A Message by Pope Benedict XVI

On Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI delivered the annual message from St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. The Pope took the opportunity during his message to acknowledge the resurrection of Jesus Christ – ‘the Prince of Peace’. At the same time, he
spoke about violence, bloodshed and death around the world. He spoke about the “continued slaughter” in Iraq, the conflict in Afghanistan, and conflicts in specific countries.

On Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI delivered the annual message from St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. The Pope took the opportunity during his message to acknowledge the resurrection of Jesus Christ – ‘the Prince of Peace’. At the same time, he spoke about violence, bloodshed and death around the world. He spoke about the “continued slaughter” in Iraq, the conflict in Afghanistan, and conflicts in specific countries.

In his message, which he addressed to “Brothers and Sisters throughout the world, men and women of good will”, he stated, “Christ is risen! Peace to you! Today we celebrate the great mystery, the foundation of Christian faith and hope: Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified one, has risen from the dead on the third day according to the Scriptures”. The Pope spoke to the descriptive and significant history of the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:5-6, John 12:26, 20:19, and 20:27-28, and 1st Peter 2:24).

On this Easter Sunday, the Pope commented about the ongoing Middle East conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Africa was on the Pope’s radar as well. He spoke about the humanitarian situation that has been created by men in Darfur, Sudan. He spoke about the violent situations in Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Perhaps in efforts to prevent yet another such situation from developing into a full scale outbreak, he spoke about the tense and sometimes violent situation in Zimbabwe.

As the Pope addressed his message to “Brothers and Sisters throughout the world, men and women of good will”, we should ask ourselves – was he talking to me? If so, what will I continue to do for peace? If you feel the Pope was not speaking to you, you should ask yourself why? Are you a brother or sister to someone in this world? Are you a person of good will? As children of God, we must say something. As children of God, we must do something.

Where are the peacemakers ?

Where Are The Peacemakers? # 25

2007-03-17T13:07:00.001-07:00

By Jerry Henderson

Darfur: A United Nations Report

On Monday, March 12, 2007, the United Nations Human Rights Council issued a report concerning the four year old violent, bloody and deadly conflict in Darfur, Sudan – Africa. The report clearly stated that: 1) the government of Sudan has failed to protect the people in Darfur from attacks by the Janjaweed and 2) the government of Sudan has participated in the crimes which have been and are being committed in Darfur.

Some of what was stated in the report is relatively new. Most of what was stated in the report is well known by the people in Darfur, throughout Sudan, on the African Continent, and by people throughout the world (especially leaders). At the same time, Sudanese government officials have denied any knowledge or involvement concerning the Janjaweed – the faction that is primarily responsible for rape, torture, and murder in Darfur. Prior to the UN report being released, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague issued statements linking the government of Sudan to the Janjaweed and atrocities in Darfur.

It is encouraging to see the United Nations report being released. It is encouraging to know that Darfur is on the radar at the United Nations and that the report recommends stronger intervention, sanctions and criminal prosecution. There is a need for swift and immediate action now in Darfur. The UN Security Council can make a genuine difference. The question is, will the Council step forth and make a genuine difference ? Adding to the challenge is the fact that two Council members are directly engaged in Darfur and Sudan for economic and political reasons. China is directly engaged in Darfur because of its oil interests (Darfur is rich in oil). Russia is directly engaged in Sudan and Darfur because of arms sales and financial benefits from the arms sales. Darfur and the United Nations report is a familiar scenario. The causes are clearly identified. There report will be discussed at the UN and around the world. The fundamental questions are, what – if anything – will be done about the situation in Darfur and the report? In order to address and resolve the Darfur conflict, more than talk is needed. The opportunities are there to do something construcive. Will it happen ? Hopefully, it will.

The violent, bloody and deadly conflict should come to an end immediately. Since 2003, More than 225,000 people have been killed. Close to 3 million people have been displaced. Peace is needed. Save the people of Darfur!

Where are the peacemakers ?

Where Are The Peacemakers? # 24

2007-03-17T12:58:00.000-07:00

By Jerry Henderson

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God”.
Matthew 5:9

Iraq: Another Meeting, New Signals

Last week, US Secretary of State Condeleezza Rice announced that the US is launching new talks ‘to secure Iraq’. In making the important announcement, she stated, “I am pleased to announce that we are supporting the Iraqis in a new diplomatic offensive, to build greater support, both within the region and beyond, for peace and prosperity in Iraq”. She stated, ‘we hope that all governments seize this opportunity to improve their relations with Iraq and to work for peace and stability in the region’. Secretary Rice pointed out that Iraqis and US officials agree that progress and success in Iraq “requires the positive support of Iraq’s neighbors”. This language represents ‘new signals’ in the deadly and bloody four year old conflict in Iraq. It suggests that Iran, Syria, and other neighboring countries will be recognized and openly invited to participate in a meeting – perhaps as soon as next week. In addition to neighboring countries, all members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council will be invited and encouraged to participate in the meeting: the United States, Britain, France, Russia, and China.

Given these ‘new signals’, the indications are suggesting that the arena for dialogue is being expanded. This is a positive sign. Expanding the arena for dialogue is what many have been calling for all along, including The Iraq Study Group Report: The Way Forward – A New Approach (2006). Expanding the arena for dialogue is necessary. Equally important, fundamental issues and concerns by all key stakeholders – especially those countries in the region – must be genuinely recognized by all participants. When and if there is genuine recognition, the meeting and future meetings will have some realistic chances of making real differences in Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, and in other situations and countries where there are conflicts and potential conflicts. It is my hope that this will be the case. Lives are at stake. Stability is at stake. Security is at stake.

There is a need for peacemakers to step forward.

Where Are The Peacemakers ? # 23

2007-03-09T16:50:00.000-08:00

By Jerry Henderson

"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God".
- Matthew 5:9

Problems and Solutions

During the past weeks, Iraq, Iran, the Quartet on the Middle East peace process, and China featured at some point in the major news highlights. On Wednesday, February 21, 2007,
the Quartet met in Berlin, Germany: The United Nations, United States, European Union,
and Russia. The meeting was a follow-up to the meeting in Washington, DC on Friday,
February 2, 2007. Around the same time, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Mooon dispatched
a UN Envoy, Special Representative Ashraf Qazi, to Iran as part of ongoing efforts to
focus on the violent and bloody conflict in Iraq. Qazi's mission was to engage Iraqi
officials in a dialogue centered on supporting constructive efforts to bring the conflict
in Iraq to an end. In other words, the UN has been called upon and is playing a major role
regarding Iraq and Iran. It is worth pointing out here that it was this same UN that told
the world in 2002 and since, that their weapon inspectors did not find any 'weapons of
mass destruction' in Iraq. It is the same UN that did not give blind support to the
proposed US led invasion of Iraq in 2003. The Quartet is recognizing parts of the
problems that exist (symptoms) but the Quartet is not seizing opportunities to address fundamental issues regarding Iraq and other conflicts (causes) and help bring forth
peaceful solutions.

As the Quartet was meeting in Berlin, US Vice President Dick Chaney was in Tokyo,
Japan talking about the US leaving Iraq "with honor". During his visit, he took the
opportunity to criticize Democrats in the US Senate for challenging President George
Bush and his plans for Iraq (strategy and troop build-up). He was silent to the fact
that there are Republicans as well who are raising questions, issues and objections
(including votes) about the Iraq War in the US House of Representatives and the US
Senate. After Japan, Vice President Chaney traveled to Australia. While in Sydney,
Australia, he took the opportunity - and the liberty - to praise China for being
instrumental in negotiations with North Korea regarding concerns about North
Korea's admitted nuclear program. At the same time, he criticized China for what
he referred to as China's 'rapid military build-up'. Vice President Chaney stated that
China was "not consistent" with its own stated aims to curtail the global arms race.
There were no issues raised publicly about China's human rights record.

The meetings by 'key stakeholders' are supposed to be designed to address problems
and conflicts around the world (the Quartet is suppose to help resolve the decades old
conflict between the Palestinians and the Israelis, the Israelis and the Lebanese, and
more). Unfortunately, fundamental issues are not being addressed. The meetings
are focused on symptoms - not causes.

The world is being led towards World War 111. The world is being led towards violence,
war, and insecurity (more violence, more wars, and more insecurity). There is a better
way. There is little or no focus on the manufacturing and distribution of 'weapons of
human destruction' (selective issues are raised). The multi-billion dollars arms
industry - the manufacturing and distribution of arms - is the major contributor to war, violence, insecurity and instability in the world today. Given this situation, what is the
solution ? I prescribe that ALL 'weapons of human destruction' be destroyed. Can
this be done practically today, tomorrow, next week, or next month ? The answer
is no. Can a commitment be made by the manufactureres and distributors of arms
to halt plans, manufacturing and distribution of arms today, tomorrow, next week,
or next month ? The answer is yes - IF there is the will to do so.

What is morally correct about any nation or nations saying to another nation or
nations - you cannot and should not have weapons ? This question is critical
and fundamental - especially since the nation and nations making the demands
have huge stockpiles of 'weapons of human destruction' - perhaps enough to blow
up the world ten times over. Ironically, 49 nations met recently in Oslo, Norway.
One of the key items on the agenda was cluster bombs (large number of bomblets
packed into artillery shells). Forty-six (46) of the 49 nations voted for a proposed
global treaty to ban cluster bombs. The three leading large arms manufacturing
and distribution nations in the world did not participate in the Oslo meeting:
United States, China, and Russia. Three of the 49 nations opposed the proposed
ban: Japan, Poland, and Romania. Japan is one of the leading nations which
manufacture and distribute small arms. The United States and Israel are among
14 countries that have established small arms and ammunition licensed production
with 45 countries. Israel did not participate in the Oslo meeting.

Several years ago, more than 100 nations voted for a proposal to ban landmines.
Landmines are responsible for killing and wounding thousands of people
worldwide - mostly civilians (World War 1, World War 11, the Korean War, the
Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the Balkans War, the Iraq War and other wars and
conflicts). In spite of this gloomy reality, there were nations that voted to oppose
the banning of landmines. Some of these very same nations were still dancing to
the tune of financial profits and war while they voted against a proposed treaty
to ban cluster bombs. These nations, the nations that did not participate, and
their leaders fail to realize that the ultimate security of the world is linked to love,
justice, and peace - not war and 'weapons of human destruction'. As clearly
proclaimed in the scriptures, "Wisdom is better than weapons of war"
(Ecclesiastes 9:18).

Where are the peacemakers ?

2007-02-27T21:27:00.001-08:00

Where Are The Peacemakers # 22

2007-02-27T21:07:00.000-08:00

By Jerry Henderson

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God”.
Matthew 5:9

Iraq: What Have We Learned ?

Next month will mark the fourth year since the US led invasion of Iraq. What have we learned? It has become very clear that certain issues and facts have been brought to the public's
attention. The issues and facts have provided a basis for concerned individuals to become better informed - and more engaged – especially from a factually informed position.

1. In March 2003, the US invaded Iraq as the American people were told that Iraq was
manufacturing and stockpiling weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The American
people - and other people of the world - were told that there were various countries
supporting the invasion (“coalition of the willing”).

2. Two months after the invasion, in May 2003, President George W. Bush publicly
declared to America and the world – “mission accomplished”. Whatever the
“mission” was or is, it was not accomplished by May 2003 or by February 2007.

3. Four years later, thousands of lives have been lost, thousands have been wounded,
thousands have become internally displaced, thousands have become refugees,
and thousands continue to face violence and the threat of violence daily.

4. Iraq’s infrastructure has been severely damaged. There is a lack of power and water
in many parts of the country – especially Baghdad, the capital city.

5. In the face of opposition from the US Congress and the American people, President Bush
has maintained that America will not “cut and run”; America will “stay the course”.

6. On January 10, 2007, President Bush announced a “surge” – 21,500 more American
troops will be sent to Iraq.

7. On February 21, 2007, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the US’s closest alley in
the “coalition of the willing”, announced to the British House of Commons that
Britain will began a phase withdrawal of its remaining 7,100 troops from Iraq –
1,500 troops in the next few months and one half by the end of the year. Three
years ago, Britain had 40,000 troops in Iraq.

8. The anticipated announcement by Prime Minister Blair led President Bush to comment
by saying that Blair’s statement was a “sign of success”.

Currently, the US is supplying 91% of the foreign troops in combat in Iraq , Britain 5%, and
a few other countries a combined 4%. Several other countries have withdrawn troops and other countries never committed any troops. The 91% should not be in Iraq; the 5% should not be in Iraq; and the 4% should not be in Iraq. Some countries realized that their troops were in the wrong country and some countries did not make the error in judgment and send troops in the first place. No weapons of mass destruction have been found.

Where Are The Peacemakers ? # 21

2007-02-23T05:05:00.000-08:00

By Jerry Henderson

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God”.
Matthew 5:9

Meetings in Jerusalem

This week, for the first time, US Secretary of State Condeleezza Rice, Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas, and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmet met. The meeting which brought the United States, Palestinians, and Israelis together was the first of its kind since the 2000 Camp David Retreat in the United States during President Bill Clinton’s administration - was held in Jerusalem to discuss the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict and prospects for “peace”. The meeting comes after Palestinians met in Mecca, Saudi Arabia and reached a tentative agreement to form a government of national unity (the sharing of political and economic power between Hamas and Fatah, a way forward for the Palestinian people). Since Mecca, Palestinians – Fatah and Hamas - met and continued to work on the specifics of a proposed ‘unity government’. As a follow-up to the meeting in Mecca – and in an agreement – Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Heniyeh resigned. As part of the resignation and agreement, Heniyeh is now tasked with spearheading efforts to form a Palestinian government of national unity. As these dynamics were unfolding, attention begin to focus on Jerusalem.

During the weekend prior to the recent meeting, separate meetings were held with Secretary of State Rice and President Abbas and Secretary Rice and Prime Minister Olmet. There were clear expressions from Secretary of State Rice that under any agreements between Fatah and Hamas, the Middle East Quartet’s “principles” must be observed (the US, United Nations, Russia, and the European Union). What are those “principles”? Hamas must: 1) recognize Israel’s ‘right to exits’, 2) renounce violence, and 3) accept past Israeli-Palestinian agreements and accords.

The much anticipated meeting of the three was held in Jerusalem on Monday, February 19th, 2007. President Abbas presented and defended information and views about the recent agreement between the Palestinian Authority (Fatah) and Hamas to form a government of national unity. Secretary Rice and Israeli Prime Minister Olmet acknowledged the agreement between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas – while at the same time expressing reservations and concerns. Secretary Rice stated that the Quartet’s “principles” are the basis for reservations and concerns.

Something is missing. Major Arab concerns and issues – root causes - are not raised or addressed in the Quartet’s “principles”. Some of the issues are: Arab land (1948, before and now), Israeli military occupation of Arab land (the land is referred to by the ‘international community’ as “occupied territory”), Palestinians killed by members of the Israeli Defense Force, treatment of Palestinians during the past 59 years – since 1948 (refugees, the internally displaced, those held in Israeli jails), and the fact that Arab countries and other European countries are also part of the “international community”. Facts are very important. They should not be hid, dismissed, ignored or distorted. The honest thing to do is face up to the facts and work to find peaceful solutions.

Fundamental and major issues underlining the ongoing conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians were not part of the “peace discussions” in Jerusalem. Very little – if anything – was accomplished. Following the meeting, Secretary of State Rice announced that they all agreed to meet again. Hopefully, the root causes of the conflict will be acknowledged at some point by those who continue to meet – all over the world. There is no time better than the present to do so.

Where are the peacemakers ?

Where Are The Peacemakers ? # 20

2007-02-14T09:51:00.000-08:00

By Jerry Henderson

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God.”
Matthew 5:9

Palestinians Meet in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Palestinian leaders of Hamas and Fatah met in Mecca, Saudi Arabia last week in efforts to address and halt internal violence, bloodshed and death by Palestinians. The two organizations reached a tentative agreement which calls for power sharing in a Palestinian government of national unity.

High level meetings were held between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (Fatah), Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal, and Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Heniyeh. Underlining causes of the differences and conflict between Hamas and Fatah are many, including ideological and philosophical. Fatah is the party of the late Yasser Arafat and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Fatah represents the old guard. Hamas, formed later after Fatah, represents the new guard. For more than three decades, Arafat served as the free and democratically elected leader of the Palestinian people - from 1996 until his death in 2004 as the President of the Palestinian Authority. In the January 2006 Palestinian Authority elections, Hamas won a majority of the seats in parliament (77 out of a total of 132 or 58.33%. Fatah won 45 or 34.9%). Both Fatah and Hamas were born in opposition to Israeli invasions and occupation of Arab land – in particular the West Bank and Gaza Strip, i.e., root causes (PLO in 1964 and Hamas in 1987). From its beginning, the PLO’s major objective was the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Adding to the enormous complexity of the current conflict between the two is overt western interest and influence that is magnified by ‘luke warm’ support of President Abbas (Fatah) and outright rejection of Hamas. This interest and influence is reflected mostly by the United States and parts of Europe. The U S initiated and pushed for an embargo against Hamas, after the organization was successful in the January 2006 elections. It is worth pointing out that during President George W. Bush’s administration in particular, the US has opposed both Fatah (Yasser Arafat/PLO) and Hamas. At this point, whatever agreements are reached between Fatah and Hamas are subject to acceptance and or rejection by the US, Israel, and others. In the aftermath of the meeting in Mecca last week, a meeting is scheduled to take place next week between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olment, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Palestinian President Abbas. I submit that the issue of root causes of the conflicts in the Middle East must be addressed and satisfactorily resolved in order for a genuine peace process to begin. In order for this to happen, peacemakers are needed.

Where are the peacemakers ?

Where Are The Peacemakers ? # 19

2007-02-08T11:42:00.001-08:00

By Jerry Henderson

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God”
Matthew 5: 9

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Another Meeting

On Friday, February 2nd, 2007, the so-called diplomatic Quartet met in Washington, DC for the stated purpose of addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the long and discussed proposed ‘Road Map to Peace’. The Quartet, represented by the United States, Russia, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN), continue to meet – again and again - and talk. They talk about Israel. They talk about the Palestinians. They talk about ‘a two state solution’ – which was supposed to be a done deal in 2005. They talk about a ‘Road Map to Peace’. Unfortunately, there are some very basic and fundamental facts and issues that they are not inclined to address.

The idea and concept of ‘a road map’ towards peace is a good one. The Quartet, and others, must be aware that there are basic and fundamental requirements in the art of sound road construction: 1) have a clear knowledge and understanding of the surface for which the road is to be constructed; 2) make sure that the foundation on which the road is going to be built is solid; and 3) do not take short cuts. It remains to be seen whether the Quartet is aware of either requirement.

Knowledge, understanding, foundation, and short cut can be summed up in what is not being adequately discussed or addressed by the Quartet. These issues and concerns were raised in a previous commentary (# 2: “Israel and the Palestinians”, July 26, 2006). The issues and concerns have not changed. The fact of the matter is, at some point in the process of meetings and discussions, the ‘bridge of root causes’ will have to be honestly and properly talked about: faced, addressed and crossed. To continue to do otherwise is to look for a short cut or quick fix. The facts are contained in the records (the Balfour Declaration, 1917, United Nations Resolutions 242, 338 and other Resolutions, the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, the 1967 War, Camp David Accords, 1978 – and more). Countries and territories were invaded and occupied. Arab (Palestinians) land was taken. There is occupation by the Israeli Military. Israel has consistently violated international law. Arabs (Palestinians) have died, been wounded, are imprisoned in Israeli jails (thousands of men, women, and children are held in jail). Palestinians are internally or externally displaced (refugees). There is the need to be factually accurate and logically consistent. The Quartet is not doing either. The Quartet does not involve the key players – Israelis, Palestinians, and others in the Middle East, in the meetings and discussions regarding the conflict and its resolution.

# 19: Where Are The Peacemakers ? February 5th, 2007
Page 2.

There are major gaps in “the Road Map” concept, a concept initiated by President George W. Bush and later introduced by U N Secretary-General Kofi Annan (April 2003). The “Road Map”, in part, is based on the premise that the conflict between the Palestinians and Israelis started in and around 1967. Pre-1967 issues and conditions are not sufficiently addressed (Palestinians rights, land and territory). Even with this reality, the Palestinians accepted “the Road Map” concept and proposal as presented. On the other hand, the Israeli government responded with a long list of conditions and prerequisites – not recognizing Palestinians rights, land or territory. All of these relevant issues must be addressed at some point – in order for peace and security to become a reality.

Following the Quartet’s meeting of Friday, February 2nd, a prepared statement was read by U N Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon (http://www.un.com/). The next meeting of the Quartet is scheduled to take place in Berlin, Germany. Yes, another meeting.

Where are the peacemakers ?

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