The events unfolding in the Middle East are truly extraordinary! As a news junkie, I have really missed having cable or satellite TV these last couple of months. We may be witnessing the equivalent of our Boston Tea Party in the Arab world!
Some are extremely optimistic about what might happen. If the Middle East truly moves towards democracy, the people would be able to experience freedom of the press, freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and so much more! A former jihadist believes that al Qaeda will lose its influence if the people of the Middle East truly gain their freedom. He believes that two of the greatest threats to terrorists include freedom & opportunity.
Unfortunately, as we have seen throughout history, freedom comes through the shedding of blood. Thomas Jefferson once said: “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time, with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”
Let’s hope the dictators of Libya and the rulers of Bahrain, Yemen, and the other countries of the Middle East care more for their people than they care for their power or position.
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Hi Eric! This just reminds us of how much we have to pray for those countries. My prayer is that the leaders will desire as much change as the people and that the change will not cause people to loose their lives, but that it will be a positive change!
I’m with you, Eric. Watching the incredible events of recent weeks unfold has enabled me to see how little I understand the cultures of the Muslim world and the forces that have brought them to this monumental shift. The dominoes are falling–Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain…who knows how many regimes will topple before it’s over? And while I rejoice with the people of these countries and pray for their freedom and their courage, I wonder (sometimes worry) how all this change will shake out in the end. Will freedom truly win the day…or will one form of despotism simply be replaced by another? This is definitely a time for us to pray–hard–for these people and their struggle.
Great point, Michael. When power (good or evil) is gone, many will seek to fill the vacuum.
Definitely praying, too, Idalisse. Hoping the people of the Middle East can persevere all the way to democracy.