Education
The culture, history and tradition of the Middle East is very unique. In addition to working on projects to make a difference in Iraq and Israel-Palestine, we also seek to educate those in the West about the Middle East. Take a walk through the pages of history and learn something new by clicking one of the areas of interest below!
VIDEO: The Plight of Iraqi Christians: A Baghdad clergyman estimates that 90 percent of Iraq's Christians, once thought to number over a million, have either fled or have been murdered by Islamic extremists. Watch a report by 60 Minutes investigator Scott Pelley.
Pan-Arab Agreement Must be Sought
Destiny-El Decker
9 January 2009
With military operation on the rise in Gaza since Israel's recent occupation, few efforts have been made to create reconciliation and peace. A pan-Arab agreement is necessary, not just a truce between Hamas and Israel. One disputed aspect of a recent ceasefire agreement is the opening of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza. Cairo, however is wary of this because Hamas control of the crossing will lay responsibility of the Gaza strip at the feet of the Egyptian government. Both Egypt and Saudi Arabia see Hamas as the one to blame for the situation at hand and as a result they oppose an Arab League summit to discuss the crisis.
If Hamas places Palestinian Authority monitors on the Rafah crossing, European Union monitors are also conditioned to do the same. This would open the crossing and mitigate responsibility from Egypt for the Gaza strip. Syria and Iran are at odds with Saudi Arabia and Egypt and have advised Hamas not to engage in peace talks with either state. Turkey has offered to be a third party and place its own forces on the crossing and if a cease-fire is reached, Turkey would also mediate between Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Egypt to draft an agreement reconciling Hamas and Fatah, enabling Palestinian elections to be held.
It is important to note that Arab culture is based upon relationships and respect. With this is mind Canon Andrew White is a shining example of one who is able to use his relationships with religious leaders in both the Shia and Sunni sects of Islam to broker peace. By supporting his efforts, you will be influencing peace and stability in the Middle East. His relationships have allowed him to meet with leaders of these countries with the goal of creating an agreement to work for peace with each other. In order for peace to be established in Israel and surrounding areas, there must be reconciliation among Arab nations and a commitment by them to work together for peace. Your investments in this will have a high return and will help bring relief to those who are in desperate need.
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