Richard Ho LungTHE CHURCH as well as human reason both assert the permanent validity of the moral law during armed conflict. The mere fact that war has regrettably broken out does not mean that everything becomes licit between the warring parties. Any practices that are deliberately contrary to the law of nations and to 'Universal Principles' are a crime.
The modern world governments and leaders seem to be pushing towards globalisation, i.e., a global village where all share the same market, currency, etc., which mean that we all share one economy. But, with the present situation of the US-Iraq war, the ideals of globalisation do not seem to be prominent. The questions therefore arise: What is globalisation? Is it just a monetary strategy?
In a capitalist game, there can be only one winner, viz, the richest. As a capitalist entity, the US has a small percentage of its people possessing a major part of the country's wealth and private land. Recent statistics have shown that twenty years ago 20 per cent of the population owned 20 per cent of the US wealth; today they hold 40 per cent. Likewise, only 3 per cent of the richest US citizens now own 95 per cent of all US private land.
So, where is the global village? Does 'global village' mean that only one culture, one way of living must predominate over all peoples and cultures? Is the UN indeed united? The US, along with Britain, has insisted on war despite the UN's recommendations. In other words, it seems that the very essence of the UN is being threatened and may even be destroyed because of the conflict within this so-called united body which has been divided on the issue of the present US-Iraq war.
It is a clear fact that all along the US government has sought to dominate the whole world politically, economically, culturally, and morally; and the whole world is aware of this. Is USA that benevolent a country when it does not get its own way? Do they expect to be in control of everyone and everything? So far, the control has been economic, and countries, especially the poorer countries, are being bullied by the US to join the war with the threat that they the US will withdraw their support from those countries that do not support the war. Thus, they are being reminded of their total dependence on the US. Economically speaking, it is stated that $74.5 billion is to be spent in this war. Apart from this, 250,000 troops from the US, 50,000 from Britain and 100,000 from other countries have been sent into this war. These coalition forces are clearly headed towards destruction.
While the US invests all those funds to wage a war in a global village, where was all that money when countries were (and are still) suffering and the wages are only a US$1.00 a day? It is shameful and sad for a country like this to waste its resources on such a selfish endeavour instead of generously aiding the poorer nations so as to establish a global village where there would be enough for all. Where is the global
village?
Since the war began last week, 350 civilians in Iraq, innocent people, have been killed. If the war continues, there is going to be greater damage done with an increase in the loss of innocent lives. Apart from this, the war has also become an arsenal of psychological crises in our world today.
Injustice, excessive economic and social inequalities, envy, distrust, pride and a raw hunger for power raging among men and nations constantly threaten peace and cause wars.
The Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, condemned the recourse to force as an instrument to solve problems among the people. He also stated, "When war, as in these days in Iraq, threatens the fate of humanity, it is even more urgent to proclaim with a determined voice, that peace alone is the way to construct a more just and solidaristic society. Truth and solidarity are necessary if humanity is to succeed in building a culture of life, a civilisation of love, a world of peace. Without a conversion of heart, there is no peace! Peace is only achieved through love!"
It is the responsibility of each and every individual, but especially our civil leaders today, to work towards establishing a world of justice, truth, peace and selflessness. We cannot have a united global village if all the village residents oppose and fight each other. Man must learn to respect his neighbour, and should offer support to his neighbour who is in need. If the US and Iraq compromise their pride for the sake of peace, love and unity, our times and our world will be better.
We are in the season of Lent a season of conversion and reconciliation. Let all men, therefore, fall on their knees and repent sincerely while crying out for God's mercy, because only God can heal the divisions that so dominate our world today. "Lord heal our land; forgive our sins and heal our broken world".
Father Ho Lung is Founder and Superior General of the Missionaries of the Poor.
