Three Remarkable Events

02/27/2005

Paul Munnis

Three remarkable events occurred in these last few weeks that deserve comment.

The first is the Iraqi election. It was held. It came off in spite of death threats to Iraqi voters. The Sunni’s made a huge strategic blunder by not participating which they have admitted. The election is a tribute to tenacity by American and Iraqi’s. Bush deserves applause just for getting that far. A new government is being formed and we will await the verdict. There are many ways things could turn both good and bad. We will hope for the good and not say anything to precipitate the bad.

The second is the new prospects for peace in the Israel / Palestinian conflict. To manage a solution to this 56 year old intractable problem is a wonderful bit of hopeful news. Peace is on thin egg shells right now and again we pray for a good outcome. The prospect of these two people living in harmony is a joyful vision. Again, there are many things that could go wrong but we hope for the best.

The third is a possible Syrian turn-about. Evidence is that Israel will hit Syria if they are complicit in terrorism. Further, the Lebanese are convinced of Syrian complicity. The result was the handing over of Saddam’s half-brother to the Iraqi’s as a show of good faith. It’s a little early to hope for reform there but you never know. Again we will hope and pray for the best.

It is time for America to have some good results in the mid-east. The last three years have been horrible for all parties involved.