Libya – The bombs have caused so many civilian casualties, pregnant mothers were forced to have abortions from the shock, children no longer go to school, there is no gas, long lines for food, and people don’t leave home except for strict necessity. The goal is clearly to eliminate Qaddafi, but is this the best solution? The solution lies in ensuring transition. To do that, you need dialogue within Libyan society.
I do not think that the division of the country is a solution either, but in this case the African Union or the Arab League could play a big role in this. The military intervention is perceived as an intrusion. The international community can do little: a truce is necessary to find space to communicate, because war is not the right context to do so.
The Christian community, about 5,000 people, makes real miracles. They are giving a precious witness to the whole Libyan population, especially in hospitals, where the medical staff is almost entirely made up by them. Even non-Christians recognize and appreciate this service.
— Giovanni Martinelli, Bishop of Tripoli
Egypt – It means so much to us, young people in our Focolare community, when we can meet all together to share the powerful experiences many of us have had in these days. It’s a very difficult time, but at the same time it’s bearing many fruits! We feel that this revolution has to change us first and, through our love, other people, so that we can build a united world! — Blog post
An opportunity for a new start
With the demise of Osama bin Laden, two considerations to keep in mind
A few minutes after the announcement of the death of Osama Bin Laden, I received a letter from a mother, saying: “As I watched the news with my two children, 12 and 8, I was troubled seeing the images from Pakistan and from the U.S. How could I explain these celebrations to children who have been taught that life should always be respected and protected?”
Fr. Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesperson, explained it clearly: “In the face of death a Christian never rejoices, but reflects on each person’s responsibilities before God and humanity, and hopes and works so that every event may be the occasion for the further growth of peace and not of hatred.” Secular philosopher and historian Giovanni Reale has commented that “in the Gospel, respect and silence take the place of revenge.”
That said, I think that two precautions should be taken in the aftermath of Bin Laden’s death.
First, we must not under any circumstances humiliate, even unintentionally, the Muslim world. The more radical Islamism is trying to put the whole of Christianity against Islam by identifying the religion of Christ with the West and its culture. Woe to us if we fan those flames! Christian minorities in Muslim countries would be the first victims.
Second, this is the opportunity for a new start. Strategies in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and North Africa should be reviewed, opening a season of dialogue and taking advantage of the winds of change in the younger generation of Arab Muslims.
— Michele Zanzucchi
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